Values of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin as a risk factor for tubal obstruction after tubal pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
The hysterosalpingography (HSG) was evaluated after the clinical treatment of tubal pregnancy and the possible risk of tubal obstruction through the following parameters: beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels, size of the adnexal mass, aspects of the image at ultrasound, and color Doppler.


METHODS
Eighty patients were submitted to HSG after tubal pregnancy treatment from April 1994 to February 2002. Fifty received expectant management and 30 were treated with single-dose methotrexate (MTX) (50 mg/m(2) intramuscularly).


RESULTS
The patency of the ipsilateral tube was 84% and 78% after the MTX and expectant treatments, respectively (P > 0.05). After the logistic regression was performed, it was observed that levels of beta-hCG >5000 mUI/ml were directly related to the tubal obstruction risk, odds ratio = 11.79 (95% CI = 2.27-61.32). Other variables were not directly related to the tubal obstruction risk.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the probability of ipsilateral tubal obstruction depends on the beta-hCG levels. The increase in beta-hCG levels is followed by an enhancement in tubal obstruction risk. Therefore, the beta-hCG may be effective for the prognostic of the reproductive future of these patients.
Elito
Julio
J
Department of Obstetrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Maria Carolina 68, CEP-01445-000, Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo, Brazil. elitojjr@hotmail.com
Han
Kyung Koo
KK
Camano
Luiz
L
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D016015:Logistic Models; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011274:Pregnancy, Tubal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D008727:Methotrexate