A novel predict factor that increases the success rate of methotrexate treatment in fallopian tube pregnancy

For stable fallopian tube pregnancy (FTP), methotrexate (MTX) therapy is reported to be as effective as laparoscopy. However, some cases would need further treatment, e.g., another dose of MTX or laparoscopy. This study is to investigate the potential factors during the treatment of FTP that may facilitate the prediction of a successful outcome of MTX therapy.

All FTP cases admitted to the International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital (IPMCH), Shanghai, China from January 2016 to December 2017 were reviewed. All patients received a single dose of 50 mg/m² MTX prior to other treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between clinical parameters and the success rate of MTX treatment.

The success rate of single-dose MTX was 77.53%. The serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level cut-off value was 452.64 IU/L, with a specificity of 76.7% and sensitivity of 43% [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.803; P<0.0001]. In addition, serum β-hCG levels and patient age correlated with the success rate of MTX treatment.

Lower β-hCG levels led to successful MTX treatment for FTP, with a cutoff value of 452.64 IU/L. Younger patients were more sensitive to MTX treatment. These results may help clinicians when deciding the potential therapy for patients with tubal ectopic pregnancies.