Ectopic pregnancies: Catch them early, treat them wisely!

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common condition encountered in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Different management protocols are currently available for haemodymanically stable patients but definitive recommendations is yet to be established, especially in developing countries with limited resources.

To determine the outcome of EP in patients who are haemodynamically stable and to evaluate the factors that would predict success of specific management protocols in them.

Haemodynamically stable patients with HCG levels <1500 mIU/ml were recruited for expectant management, 1500-5000 mIU/ml were given MTX and those with >5000 mIU/ml were managed surgically.

The overall success rate for expectant management was 92.7% and that with MTX was 80%. Baseline HCG values was found to be the only significant factor for predictor of success of treatment in the expectant group (P 0.05). The size of mass seen on USG did not have a significant correlation with beta HCG values (P 0.257).

Of all the predictors for success of treatment that have been studied, the initial HCG value alone remains of paramount importance. Women with initial values of HCG <1500 mIU/ml can be offered expectant management, with a much better assurance of success for those with values <1000 mIU/ml. Those with values <5000 mIU/ml can be given MTX, with single dose being sufficient most often for <3000 mIU/ml. The presence of fluid restricted to the pelvis on USG can be managed non-surgically. One should not opt for surgical management only on the basis of size of the adnexal mass on USG.