Can hematologic parameters predict treatment of ectopic pregnancy?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology

Background:

• Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a leading cause of first-trimester maternal morbidity and mortality.
• Treatment options for EP include medical (methotrexate) and surgical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict the treatment choice for tubal ectopic pregnancy using routinely available hematologic parameters.
• To identify specific hematologic markers associated with methotrexate therapy versus surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 153 ectopic pregnancy patients from January 2014 to December 2017.
• Comparison of initial hematologic values (WBC, Hgb, MCV, NLR, PLT, PLR, RDW, PDW, MPV) between patients treated with methotrexate (Group 1) and those who underwent surgery (Group 2).

Main Results:

• Red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly elevated in the methotrexate group (p=0.003, p=0.001, p=0.038).
• No significant differences were found in WBC, Hgb, MCV, PLT, PLR, or PDW between the methotrexate and surgery groups.

Conclusions:

• RDW and MPV values are independently associated with methotrexate therapy for ectopic pregnancy.
• Hematologic parameters show potential utility in guiding the selection of treatment for ectopic pregnancy.