Ectopic pregnancy: diagnosis and management.
The incidence of ectopic pregnancies is increasing, which may be related to better diagnostic tools as well as the increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies. However, the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be similar to other complications of early pregnancy such as miscarriage. Diagnosis often requires serial human chorionic gonadotropin levels along with ultrasound and, in some cases, dilation and curettage. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment options include medical therapy with methotrexate and surgery, which can often be performed via the laparoscope. Fertility rates after therapy are similar for both medically and surgically treated patients.
Kulp
Jennifer L
JL
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Penn Fertility Care, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3701 Market St. Suite 810, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Barnhart
Kurt T
KT
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D008727:Methotrexate