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Alanwar A, Khalaf WM, Alfussaily E, Salem MA, Taema MI, Ali I. The impact of systemic methotrexate and surgical management on fertility preservation in tubal ectopic pregnancy among Saudi women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2241106. [PMID: 37500183 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2241106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of various management plans on subsequent fertility after tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) is not well known. The objective of the present study was an evaluation of the subsequent fertility outcome among women with EP managed either surgical or medical with systemic methotrexate or medical management followed by surgical one. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was done by reviewing of medical records of all women diagnosed with EP at King Faisal Military Hospital, Southern Region, Saudi Arabia throughout the period from January 2015 to December 2016 provided that they were hemodynamic stable, with starting βhCG level less than 10000 IU/L, and adnexal mass less than 5 cm. These cases were followed for four years from January 2017 to December 2020. RESULTS The study included 85 women with EP. Their mean age was 31.3 ± 6.7 years. Medical management (systemic Methotrexate) was followed in 48.2% of cases whereas surgical management was applied for 43.5% of them while medical management followed by surgical one was seen in 8.2% of cases. Complete follow-up throughout 2017-2020 was available for 52 women. A history of recurrent EP was observed among 3 women (5.8%). Most of them (75%) had a viable pregnancy. There was no statistically significant association between the method of management of EP and subsequent fertility, although the rate of normal pregnancy (intrauterine viable pregnancy ≥ 24 weeks which is the age of viability at our hospital) was higher among those managed surgically or by medical followed by surgical management than those managed medical only (84.6% and 100% vs. 62.5%). CONCLUSION Although the normal pregnancy rate was higher among those managed surgically or by medical followed by surgical management than those managed medically only, this was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alanwar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Mouwasat Hospital, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed M Khalaf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Mouwasat Hospital, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Alfussaily
- King Faisal Military hospital (Armed forces Hospitals), Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa A Salem
- King Faisal Military hospital, Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal hospital, NGH, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed I Taema
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- King Faisal Military hospital (Armed forces Hospitals), Saudi Arabia
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Samha R, AlAwad Y, Wardeh AM, Ibrahem AM, Abo Moughdeb AK. A unilateral twin ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube: A rare case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2023; 111:108833. [PMID: 37776684 PMCID: PMC10556754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The implantation of a fertilized ovum outside of the normal uterine cavity is referred to as ectopic pregnancy, most frequently in the fallopian tube. Unilateral tubal twins are a rare diagnosis since they occur in around 1 in 125,000 spontaneous pregnancies. PRESENTATION OF CASE We report a case of A 39 -year- old female (Gravida 6, para 6) who presented to the emergency department with continuous abdominal pain and with vaginal bleeding, Transvaginal Ultrasound,and positive hCG levels suggested having an ectopic pregnancy that was managed by surgical laparotomy that revealed a twin ectopic pregnancy. DISCUSSION By using transvaginal ultrasound and urine/serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (bHCG) tests, early ectopic pregnancy identification has improved, reducing related morbidity and death. In our case, a gestational sac was detected during a vaginal ultrasound and the high level of bHCG (63,000) suggested an ectopic pregnancy. Surgical management was chosen because the pregnant sac was on the verge of bursting. CONCLUSION This case serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the potential for having twin ectopic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghad Samha
- Faculty of Medicine, AlBaath University, Homs, Syrian Arab Republic.
| | - Yara AlAwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | | | - Ali Mohammad Ibrahem
- Maternity University Hospital, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
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Hao HJ, Feng L, Dong LF, Zhang W, Zhao XL. Reproductive outcomes of ectopic pregnancy with conservative and surgical treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33621. [PMID: 37115078 PMCID: PMC10145868 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectopic pregnancy (EP), one of the most common gynecological emergencies, is the major cause of maternal death in the first trimester and increases the incidence of infertility and repeat ectopic pregnancy (REP). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different treatment methods for tubal EP on natural pregnancy outcomes. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials for observational studies on EP (published until October 30,2022 in English) comparing methotrexate (MTX) versus surgery, MTX versus salpingostomy, MTX versus salpingectomy, salpingostomy versus salpingectomy, and MTX versus expectant treatment. Our main endpoints included subsequent natural intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and REP. We assessed the pooled data using Review Manager software (version 5.3) with a random effects model. RESULTS Of 1274 identified articles, 20 were eligible and 3530 participants were included in our analysis. There was a significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP in tubal EP patients who underwent MTX compared with those who were treated with surgery [odds ratios (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.20-1.92]. No significant difference was found in the odds of REP between the 2 groups (OR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-1.51). There was no significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP and REP in patients after MTX compared to those after salpingostomy (OR = 1.04,95% CI: 0.79-1.38; OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.64-1.90). There was a significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP in patients after MTX compared with those after salpingectomy (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.52-2.93). No significant difference was found in the odds of REP between the 2 groups (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.57-1.71). There was a significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP between patients who underwent salpingostomy and those who underwent salpingectomy (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.29-2.01). No significant difference was found in the odds of REP between the 2 groups (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.62-2.37). There was no significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP and REP in patients after MTX compared with those after expectant treatment (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.64-2.45; OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.09-5.55). CONCLUSION For hemodynamically stable tubal EP patients, MTX has advantages over surgery, particularly salpingectomy, in improving natural pregnancy outcomes. However, MTX is not inferior to salpingostomy and expectant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Juan Hao
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Li-Fei Dong
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Török P, Naem A, Csehely S, Chiantera V, Sleiman Z, Laganà AS. Reproductive outcomes after expectant and surgical management for tubal pregnancy: a retrospective study. MINIM INVASIV THER 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36815764 DOI: 10.1080/13645706.2023.2181091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: The management of ectopic pregnancy is widely debated. Salpingectomy, salpingostomy, and expectant management are widely performed, but the best approach in terms of keeping good future spontaneous fertility chances is yet to be determined. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis (Clinical Trial ID: NCT05479786) of the medical records of patients with an ultrasonographic or surgical diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy that were admitted to the University of Debrecen Clinical Centre between 2012 and 2020. Results: A total of 312 patients were included in the analysis. Patients managed expectantly and patients treated with salpingostomy had significantly higher rates of clinical pregnancy than patients treated with salpingectomy. Pregnancy outcomes and recurrence rates were comparable between the study groups. Salpingectomy was found to decrease the likelihood of conceiving spontaneously by 65%. A stratified analysis based on serum β-HCG levels demonstrated that all treatment modalities carry the same reproductive opportunities for patients presenting with β-HCG levels ≤ 1745 IU/L. Conclusion: Salpingectomy was found to decrease the patient's chance of achieving a natural conception. Conservative approaches should be considered with caution only when the patient's clinical condition permits, and the patient is appropriately counseled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Török
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Antoine Naem
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, and Senology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Szilvia Csehely
- University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Zaki Sleiman
- Lebanese American University Medical Center - Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Chen S, Chen XF, Qiu P, Huang YX, Deng GP, Gao J. Association Between White Blood Cells at Baseline and Treatment Failure of MTX for Ectopic Pregnancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:722963. [PMID: 34568378 PMCID: PMC8460899 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.722963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate white blood cell (WBC) count as a risk factor related to methotrexate (MTX) treatment failure in patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP). Methods: A total of 236 women diagnosed with EP and treated with a single dose of MTX were included. The exposure variable was WBC count at baseline, and the outcome was MTX treatment outcome. Both a multivariate binary logistics regression model and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate the association between WBC and MTX non-response. Results: WBC count was associated with the risk of treatment failure, and the odds ratio (OR) in different multivariate models was stable [minimally adjusted model: OR 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0–1.3, p = 0.008; fully adjusted model: OR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.4, p = 0.026]. For WBCs in group T3 (>8.9 × 109/L), the association between WBC count and treatment failure was significant (minimally adjusted model: OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0–3.8, p = 0.050; fully adjusted model: OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–5.6, p = 0.034). Subgroup analysis showed that in participants with regular menstruation (OR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3), WBC count was significantly different from irregular menstruation (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8); p for interaction was 0.031. Conclusions: We found a reliable and non-linear relationship between WBC count and MTX treatment failure for EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pin Qiu
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Xi Huang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gao-Pi Deng
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Kömürcü Karuserci Ö, Sucu S. Retrospective Evaluation of Patients Treated for Ectopic Pregnancy: Experience of a Tertiary Center. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2020; 42:800-804. [PMID: 33348396 PMCID: PMC10309192 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancies; therefore, it is important for tertiary centers to report their approaches and outcomes to expand and improve treatment modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the general characteristics, treatment and outcomes of cases diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. METHODS In total, 432 patients treated for ectopic pregnancy between February 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS Overall, 370 patients had tubal pregnancy, 32 had cesarean scar pregnancy, 18 had pregnancy of unknown location, 6 had cervical pregnancy, and 6 had interstitial pregnancy. The most important risk factors were advanced age (> 35 years; prevalence: 31.2%) and smoking (prevalence: 27.1%). Thirty patients who did not have any symptoms of rupture and whose human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels were ≤ 200 mIU/ml were followed-up with expectant management, while 316 patients whose β-hCG levels were between 1,500 mIU/ml and 5,000 mIU/ml did not have an intrauterine gestational sac on the transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, did not demonstrate findings of rupture, and were treated with a systemic multi-dose methotrexate treatment protocol. In total, 24 patients who did not respond to the medical treatment, 20 patients whose β-hCG levels were > 5,000 mIU/ml, 16 patients who had shown symptoms of rupture at the initial presentation, and 6 patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy underwent surgery. Patients with cervical and scar pregnancies underwent ultrasound-guided curettage, and no additional treatment was needed. CONCLUSION The fertility status of the patients, the clinical and laboratory findings, and the levels of β-hCG are the factors that must be considered in planning the appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Kömürcü Karuserci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Seyhun Sucu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Baggio S, Garzon S, Russo A, Ianniciello CQ, Santi L, Laganà AS, Raffaelli R, Franchi M. Fertility and reproductive outcome after tubal ectopic pregnancy: comparison among methotrexate, surgery and expectant management. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 303:259-268. [PMID: 32852572 PMCID: PMC7854461 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05749-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To compare fertility and reproductive outcome after surgical, medical, and expectant management for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP). Methods 133 of 228 patients, who were managed between January 2012 and December 2017 for a tubal EP, tried to conceive immediately after treatment: 86 out of 173 (49.7%) underwent surgical treatment; 38 (21.9%) were treated with methotrexate (MTX), and 49 (28.3%) had expectant management. Clinical data were retrieved by medical records, fertility outcomes were obtained by phone follow-up. The cumulative incidence (CI) of intrauterine clinical pregnancy (CP), miscarriage, live birth (LB), and recurrent EP, and the time between treatment and first intrauterine CP were compared between women treated with MTX, surgery and expectant management. Results The CI of intrauterine CP starting from 12 months after the EP was 65.3% for the expectant management, 55.3% for the MTX group, and 39.5% for surgery (p = 0.012). Post-hoc analysis showed expectant management having higher intrauterine CP and LB, and shorter time between treatment and first intrauterine CP compared to surgery (p < 0.05). The CI of recurrent EP was comparable between the 3 groups. The analysis stratified per βhCG cut-off of 1745 mUI/mL and EP mass cut-off of 25 mm reported consistent results. Conclusions Women successfully managed by expectation appear to have better reproductive outcomes compared to women who underwent surgery, with the shortest time to achieve a subsequent intrauterine CP. Therefore, if safely applicable the expectant management should be considered in the case of tubal EP. The fact that the chosen treatment was primarily guided by the βhCG value and EP mass diameter based on the protocol, which is intrinsically related to the characteristics of the EP, represents the main limitation of the present study. Indeed, we cannot completely exclude that the observed differences between treatments are related to the EP itself instead of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Baggio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Sacro Cuore" Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy.
| | - Simone Garzon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Anna Russo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Lorenza Santi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Ricciarda Raffaelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Franchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AOUI Verona, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Delayed diagnosis of a cesarean scar pregnancy: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2019; 13:53. [PMID: 30841899 PMCID: PMC6404313 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-019-1983-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cesarean scar pregnancy is rare but may be related to early uterine rupture and may result in massive hemorrhage. Nowadays, most cesarean scar pregnancies are diagnosed early and can be managed properly. However, diagnoses of cesarean scar pregnancies that develop in the obstetrical area are sometimes delayed. Case presentation A 28-year-old Asian woman visited our institution because of suspected cesarean scar pregnancy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography confirmed a cesarean scar pregnancy with a live fetus with a crown-rump length of 4.83 cm, corresponding to 11 weeks 6 days of gestation. Initially, we injected 50 mg of methotrexate in the amniotic sac under transabdominal ultrasonographic guidance. However, fetal cardiac activity was still observed 2 days later. We decided to perform open laparotomy because of the possibility of massive bleeding. The gestational sac was removed, as well as most of the trophoblastic tissues that were adherent and invading the wall of the lower uterine segment. She was discharged in good condition 5 days after the operation. Conclusions Despite the popular use of ultrasonography in prenatal care, diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy is still delayed. Surgical treatment with local methotrexate injection could be an option for the management of advanced cesarean scar pregnancy.
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Abstract
There is considerable lack of clarity on the medical facts surrounding management of ectopic pregnancy. In particular, it is not widely appreciated that by the time an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, in most cases, there is no viable fetus (i.e., the fetus has already died). Moreover, there is very little ethical guidance from the medical profession regarding the emotionally difficult decision to terminate a wanted pregnancy when the life of the mother is at risk. The best articulated positions on this topic come from religious groups, based on the principle of double effect. Yet the application of this reasoning to termination of an ectopic pregnancy is inconsistent with the medical facts in many cases. To resolve these inconsistencies, while still providing a robust ethical context for resolving such difficult situations, we propose clear guidelines for determining when a viable fetus is present in ectopic pregnancy and clarify the moral object in ectopic pregnancy management. Summary: This paper explores the ethical framework for clinical decision making in the case of ectopic pregnancies. Focusing on the disordered union of mother and unborn child clarifies the object and purpose of the actions used to separate the mother and fetus in order to save the life of both, or at least one. Since over 90% of tubal ectopic pregnancies present as embryos who have already died, these cases present no ethical dilemma. This paper proposes a modification of currently used criteria for determining the viability of ectopic pregnancies and calls for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen L Condic
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donna Harrison
- American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Eau Claire, MI, USA
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