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Methotrexate for abortion at < or = 42 days gestation
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco General Hospital 94110.
Contraception
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Methotrexate effectively terminates very early intrauterine pregnancies without prostaglandins. This study shows methotrexate alone is sufficient for early abortion, with minimal side effects in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methotrexate is a cytotoxic drug targeting trophoblast cells.
- It is a recognized treatment for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and ectopic pregnancy.
- Recent evidence suggests efficacy against intrauterine trophoblast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate alone in inducing abortion of early intrauterine pregnancy.
- To assess the side effect profile of methotrexate in this context.
Main Methods:
- Ten pregnant women at or before 42 days gestation received an intramuscular injection of methotrexate (50 mg/m2).
- Outcomes including time to vaginal bleeding, duration of bleeding, and side effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- Vaginal bleeding commenced approximately 24 days post-injection and persisted for about 10 days.
- Four patients experienced side effects, primarily within the first four days after injection.
- Methotrexate alone demonstrated effectiveness in terminating the pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose intramuscular methotrexate is sufficient to induce abortion in very early intrauterine pregnancies.
- The treatment appears to have a manageable side effect profile for early pregnancy termination.