Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
Published on: April 7, 2023
Evaluation of a follow-up customized strategy for women treated with methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy: An
Magalie Barbier1, Audrey Pivano1, Claire Tourette1
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Conception University Hospital, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13005, Marseille, France.
Objective:
To evaluate a follow-up customized strategy used in women treated with methotrexate for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Study Design:
This observational monocentric study took place from November 2009 to December 2015 in the emergency unit at La Conception University Hospital in Marseille, France. 440 women were treated by methotrexate for tubal ectopic pregnancy. Women were assigned in a classic follow up protocol with a weekly hCG evaluation (conventional protocol) if the drop in hCG between D1 and D4 was inferior to 20% or in an alternative follow up (streamlined protocol) with a hCG evaluation at one month. The main outcome measures were the success rate, the proportion of women requiring several methotrexate injections, and the mean number of consultations per women and duration of the follow-up.
Results:
During this period, the success rate was 348/440 (79.1%). The rate of women requiring 1, 2, or 3 injections and of women lost to follow-up were comparable between the two protocols. The mean number of consultations per woman was 3.6 ± 1.33 vs. 5.95 ± 2.25 days (p < 0.0001), and the follow-up was 27.5 ± 12 vs. 28.1 ± 15.4 (p = 0.6) respectively in the conventional protocol group and the streamlined.
Conclusion:
Our customized strategy allows for a decrease in the number of consultations per woman without changing the success rate or the need for methotrexate injection. hCG count drop between D1 and D4 allows for the selection of a low-risk group that can benefit from appropriate aftercare.
Related Concept Videos
Observational Studies
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
Naturalistic Observations
Persuasion Strategies
Actor-Observer Effect
Observational Learning
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification

