[TruClear™ treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy interrupted after methotrexate injection]. / Résection mécanique hystéroscopique de résidus trophoblastique d'une grossesse sur cicatrice de césarienne après injection de méthotrexate.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean scar pregnancy is a complicated and potentially life-threatening type of ectopic pregnancy. There is no gold standard for its management. The aim is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of treatment by hysteroscopic tissue removal system after systemic methotrexate injection. METHODS: We report the case of a 27-year-old patient who had previously had a C-section and who presented herself to the emergency room with pelvic pain and metrorrhagia. The human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) serum level was positive. The exploration revealed an ectopic pregnancy on the cesarean scar. She benefited of 4 systemic injections of methotrexate. As the hCG became negative, endovaginal ultrasound confirmed the avascular nature of the mass. Surgical resection by mechanical morcellation hysteroscopy (TruClear™) was performed under general anaesthesia, visual control and ultrasound guidance. RESULTS: This procedure was successful. It was an ambulatory procedure and there were neither intra- nor postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first time in Belgium that a hysteroscopic tissue removal system procedure has been used to treat a caesarean scar pregnancy. This technique seems to be safe for both the patient and the surgeon and could become a new approach for cesarean scar pregnancy management.

CONTEXTE: La grossesse sur cicatrice de césarienne est définie comme la présence d'un sac gestationnel dans une isthmocèle créée par une hystérotomie préalable. Il n'existe pas de gold standard concernant sa prise en charge. L'objectif est de démontrer l'efficacité et la sécurité du traitement par résection mécanique hystéroscopique des tissus après injection systémique de méthotrexate. Méthodes : Nous rapportons le cas d'une patiente de 27 ans ayant déjà eu une césarienne et qui s'est présentée aux urgences avec des douleurs pelviennes et des métrorragies. L'exploration révèle une grossesse sur la cicatrice de césarienne. Elle a bénéficié de 4 injections systémiques de méthotrexate. La résection des résidus trophoblastiques avasculaires a été réalisée par voie hystéroscopique en utilisant l'hystéroscope par action mécanique de type -TruClear™ et ce, sous contrôle échographique concomitant. Résultats : Cette procédure ambulatoire effectuée sous anesthésie générale a été un succès. Il n'y a eu aucune complication per- ou postopératoire. CONCLUSIONS: À notre connaissance, c'est la première fois qu'une résection par action mécanique des résidus trophoblastiques sur cicatrice de césarienne est réalisée en Belgique. Cette technique semble sûre pour la patiente et le chirurgien et pourrait devenir une nouvelle approche pour la prise en charge d'une grossesse sur cicatrice de césarienne.

A 20 year experience in the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary hospital - a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Non-tubal ectopic pregnancies account for < 10% of all ectopic pregnancies. Due to its rarity and wide variation in clinical practice, there is no guideline or consensus for its management. We reported our 20-year experience in the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all women admitted for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies from January 2003 to December 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Women with non-tubal ectopic pregnancies diagnosed by ultrasound or operation were included for analysis. RESULTS: Within the study period, 180 women were diagnosed to have non-tubal ectopic pregnancies at a mean gestation of 6.8 weeks. 16.7% (30/180) were conceived via assisted reproduction. Medical treatment was the first-line management option for 81 women, of which 75 (92.1%) women received intralesional methotrexate administered under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The success rate of intralesional methotrexate ranges from 76.5% to 92.3%. Intralesional methotrexate was successful even in cases with a positive fetal pulsation or with high human chorionic gonadotrophin levels up to 252605U/L. Twenty seven women were managed expectantly and 40 underwent surgery. Nine (11.1%), two (6.1%), and one (2.3%) women required surgery due to massive or recurrent bleeding following medical, expectant, or surgical treatment. Hysterotomy and uterine artery embolization were necessary to control bleeding in one Caesarean scar and one cervical pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional methotrexate is more effective than systemic methotrexate and should be considered as first line medical treatment for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies. It has a high success rate in the management of unruptured non-tubal ectopic pregnancies even in the presence of fetal pulsations or high human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, but patients may require a prolonged period of monitoring. Close surveillance and readily available surgery were required due to the risk of heavy post-procedural intra-abdominal bleeding.

Direct Visualization of a Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy After Medical Management.

BACKGROUND Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that can result in severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Medical, surgical, and minimally invasive therapies alone or in combination have been described in the literature, but the optimal treatment modality of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies is unknown. Limited information exists on the course of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy following treatment with cytotoxic agents. CASE REPORT We present a case of a woman with a history of multiple cesarean births that was provided with medical abortion for an unintended pregnancy. However, upon follow-up, the patient was found to have a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. Following the diagnosis, she was treated by multi-dose systemic methotrexate-leucovorin and with ultrasound-guided intra-gestational sac injection of potassium chloride. After resolution of beta human gonadotropin levels, ultrasound follow-up revealed persistence of residual tissue in the cesarean scar. The patient elected for resection of the residual tissue with operative hysteroscopy. We report a novel hysteroscopic finding after medical treatment of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy with intra-gestational sac injection of potassium chloride. CONCLUSIONS Direct visualization of the intra-abdominal cavity and intra-uterine cavity showed that combined medical management with systemic methotrexate and local potassium chloride injection is an effective treatment modality for live cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies, with minimal anatomical harm. Hysteroscopic resection offers a safe and effective approach for removal of persistence of residual tissue.

National trends in treatments for ectopic pregnancy in Japan from 2010 to 2020: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) can be treated surgically or nonsurgically. In many countries, methotrexate is frequently used as a first-line medical treatment, and its effect is similar to that of surgery in selected patients. We aimed to investigate national trends in the treatment of EP in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational analysis between 2010 and 2020 using a nationwide claims database that included inpatient data. We identified female inpatients with EP aged 15 to 49 years old. We analysed year-to-year treatment trends for EP, as well as year-to-year trends in methotrexate administration, with a focus on the site of the pregnancy. Patients who received methotrexate were divided into two groups: Those with and those without surgery after methotrexate use. We compared the characteristics of these groups and calculated the methotrexate success rate. RESULTS: We identified 53,653 patients with EP. The proportion of patients undergoing surgery increased from 79% in 2010 to 83% in 2020, whereas the proportion of methotrexate therapy decreased from 8.1% in 2010 to 5.1% in 2020. Regarding methotrexate use for the site of the pregnancy, there was a significant downward trend in methotrexate therapy for tubal pregnancies. Notably, the methotrexate success rate was 84% during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery showed an increasing tendency over time, whereas methotrexate therapy showed a decreasing tendency for EP treatment in Japan. The efficacy of methotrexate in Japan was comparable to that observed in other countries.

Treatment for ectopic pregnancy includes surgical and non-surgical management. Medical treatment can be as effective as surgery in cases that meet certain criteria. Methotrexate, which is commonly employed as a medical treatment, is widely used in many countries outside Japan. However, reports on methotrexate therapy for ectopic pregnancy in Japan are limited, and the actual status of its use remains unknown. We investigated the treatment trends for ectopic pregnancy in Japan using nationwide inpatient data. The results demonstrated that surgeries increased from 79% in 2010 to 83% in 2020, while methotrexate therapy declined from 8.1% to 5.1%. Methotrexate therapy demonstrated an 84% success rate. Unlike many other countries, surgery became more prevalent while methotrexate therapy decreased for inpatients with ectopic pregnancy in Japan. The success rate of methotrexate in Japan was comparable to that in other countries. Thus, Japanese healthcare providers should consider using methotrexate therapy for appropriate cases and carefully choose the best treatment for each patient after discussing the treatment options with patients.

Efficacy of letrozole for the treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a life-threatening condition, especially if undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, tipically in low income countries and/or where women have limited access to health care. The current management protocol of tubal EP consists of either surgical management, or medical management with methotrexate. Recent studies, while few, have suggested that letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, may play a role in the medical treatment of tubal EP. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of letrozole alone in the medical treatment of tubal EP. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases were searched until 31 December 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: Retrospective or prospective studies reporting the treatment of tubal EP with letrozole alone were considered eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pooled results were expressed as OR with 95 %CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare outcomes according to time after intervention. Subgroup differences were checked through χ2 test. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included. Seventy-nine patients (51.97 %) were treated with letrozole, 39 patients (16.54 %) with methotrexate, and 34 patients (31.49 %) underwent surgical treatment. Pooled data analysis supports the consistency of the effect of letrozole in reducing ß-hCG over time at a comparable rate among studies, and that treatment with letrozole is superior to surgery and has the same efficacy as methotrexate. However, all the included studies were judged at high risk of bias in terms of study design, sample representativeness, and sampling technique. Furthermore, short and long term side effects were not reported in any of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Letrozole is a promising alternative to methotrexate and surgical therapy in the treatment of tubal EP. Although this meta-analysis suggests efficacy and low hazard of the drug and encourages its application, the data available today remain extremely sparse, which weakens any claims that can be made, and is not sufficient to assert that letrozole is safe and effective in the treatment of EPs. There is an absolute need for randomized studies with accurate patient selection, fixed doses, large sample sizes, and reporting of short- and long-term side effects to refute or confirm this assumption.

The predictors of successful methotrexate treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The pre-treatment characteristics of the patient and ectopic pregnancy to determine the patients who are likely to successfully respond to methotrexate (MTX) therapy remain controversial. This study investigated the outcomes of ectopic pregnancy after one and two MTX doses and their independent predictors. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of women who consented to MTX treatment in 2017-2018 at our institution (N = 317). Of these, patients with Caesarean scar pregnancies were excluded because they require different treatment protocols (n = 25). All patients were treated according to our institution's protocol based on international guidelines and standardised across the three hospitals included in the current study. We retrieved patients' demographics, laboratory, ultrasonography, and clinical characteristics from our hospital database. Serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay; ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed using ultrasonography (transvaginal probe). RESULTS: Two ninety-two patients were included in the current analysis. Age, pre-treatment ß-hCG levels, sonographic presence of yolk sac, presence of foetal cardiac activity, and pelvic pain were significantly different between patients with successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-4.66, p = .017), no pelvic pain (aOR 2.65, 95%CI 1.03-6.83, p = .043), lower initial ß-hCG level (aOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.08-1.59, p = .005), and absence of foetal cardiac activity (aOR 12.63; 95% CI 1.04-153.6; p = .047) were independently associated with success. Treatment failure odds were >2 folds higher for each 10-year age increase (p = .017), 32% higher for each 1000 IU/L increase in initial ß-hCG level (p = .005), and >2 folds higher in presence of pelvic pain (p = .043). CONCLUSIONS: MTX is effective in most patients, averting invasive surgery, which might affect fertility. Pre-treatment ß-hCG levels, age, pelvic pain, and foetal cardiac activity was independently associated with outcomes. Research should assess the relationship between the ectopic pregnancy size and treatment outcomes and refine ß-hCG titres where treatment would be ineffective.

Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. It needs to be identified and treated quickly to prevent serious health complications. Ectopic pregnancies can be treated surgically or medically using a drug called methotrexate. Medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy is not always successful. Identifying the factors that predict the failure of medical treatment helps patients and doctors to choose more accurately between surgical and medical treatment options.A total of 292 women who received methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy and the factors that influence the outcomes of treatment were examined, 39 patients had treatment failure and required surgery. Older age, higher initial levels of ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) hormone, the presence of pelvic pain, and foetal cardiac activity had increased risk of treatment failure. In the future, research could consider the relationship between the size of the ectopic pregnancy and the treatment outcomes and refine the ß-hCG level cut-off for better treatment effects.

The effects of conservative and surgical approaches in tubal ectopic pregnancy on fertility.

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment, expectant approaches, and surgical treatment options are available in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Regardless of the treatment, in addition to its effectiveness, the main concern is to limit the risk of relapse and preserve fertility. OBJECTIVES: Determine the impact of medical or surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy on future fertility. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Department of obstrtrics and gynecolgy at Ankara Etlik Zübeyde Hanim Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who were treated for ectopic pregnancy between June 2016 and November 2019 were allocated into two groups. Expectant approach or medical treatment by methotrexate constituted the conservative treatment group while salpingectomy by laparoscopy indicated the surgical treatment group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fertility rates within two years following treatment were evaluated according to treatment options. SAMPLE SIZE: 202 patients. RESULTS: Of the 202 patients, 128 had medical treatment and 74 patients had surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Of 272 diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, 70 were excluded for various reasons. Parity and unemployment rate was significantly higher in the surgical treatment (P=.006 and P=.12, respectively). Moreover, ectopic mass size and serum ß-hCG levels were significantly higher in the surgical treatment group (P<.001 and P<.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the conservative and surgical treatment groups in time to pregnancy (17.0 months vs 19.0 months, P=.255). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the conservative and surgical treatment groups with respect to history of infertility (P=.12). There were no significant differences between the conservative and surgical treatment groups in terms of live birth (51.6% vs 44.6%) and ectopic pregnancy (2.3% vs 1.4%) (P=.72 for both). There was no significant difference between the conservative and surgical treatment groups with respect to infertility rate (35.9% vs 41.9%, P=.72) and admittance to the IVF program (3.9% vs 6.8%, P=.39) following ectopic pregnancy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive outcomes did not differ significantly in women undergoing expectant management, medical treatment, and surgery for ectopic pregnancy. This finding suggests that clinicians should not hesitate to act in favor of surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy even if there were concerns for future fertility. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study.

Comparing the effectiveness of letrozole versus methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of two different regimens of Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, in the management of ectopic pregnancy compared to methotrexate. STUDY DESIGN: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 88 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy with a baseline level of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin under 3000 mIU/mL between June 30, 2023, and December 30, 2023, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Vali-e-Asr Hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Participants were allocated into either methotrexate (n = 43), 5-day course Letrozole (n = 24), or 10-day course Letrozole (n = 21) treatments. The methotrexate group received a single dose of 50 mg/m2 dosage intramuscular methotrexate. The 5-day Letrozole group received a 2.5 mg Letrozole tablet three times daily for 5 days, whereas the 10-day Letrozole group received a 2.5 mg Letrozole tablet twice daily for 10 days. The primary outcome was the treatment response, defined as the achievement of a negative serum beta-human chorionic level without the need for additional methotrexate treatment or surgery. The secondary outcomes were the need for additional methotrexate dose or laparoscopic surgery intervention. The trial protocol was prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with code NCT05918718. RESULTS: The treatment response rates in methotrexate, 5-day Letrozole, and 10-day Letrozole groups were 76.7 %, 75.0 %, and 90.5 %, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups (P-value = 0.358). A total of 10 (23.3 %) patients from the methotrexate group, 3 (12.5 %) from the 5-day Letrozole group, and 2 (9.5 %) from the 10-day Letrozole group required an additional methotrexate dose, with no significant differences between the groups (P-value = 0.307). Furthermore, only 3 (12.5 %) patients, all from the 5-day Letrozole group, were suspected of tubal rupture and underwent surgery (P-value = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest Letrozole as a safe alternative to methotrexate in treating stable ectopic pregnancies, with a favorable treatment response rate. However, there is still a need for future larger studies to determine the applicability of Letrozole in the EP management. Also, the non-significant higher effectiveness of the 10-day Letrozole regimen than the 5-day Letrozole group underscores the need for future research to determine the optimal Letrozole regimen for the management of ectopic pregnancy.

Comparison of single- and double-dose methotrexate protocols for treatment of pregnancy of unknown location.

OBJECTIVE: The use of various methotrexate (MTX) protocols for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy is well established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of single- and double-dose MTX protocols for the treatment of pregnancy of unknown location (PUL). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland. Haemodynamically stable women with PUL were enrolled between January 2014 and September 2023. Demographics, gestational age and treatment outcomes were compared between women in the single-dose MTX group and women in the double-dose MTX group. The primary outcome was the success rate, measured as the number of women treated without surgical intervention. The secondary outcome was the number of days of MTX needed to achieve an appropriate decrease in beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG). RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven women (mean age 33 ± 1.8 years) with PUL were enrolled in the study, with an overall success rate of 89.1 %. Single- and double-dose MTX protocols were found to have comparable treatment success rates (93 % and 95 %, respectively). Women with lower initial serum ß-hCG (<2000 mIU/ml) had higher treatment efficacy compared with women with higher initial serum ß-hCG (96.5 % vs 71.4 %), regardless of protocol type. The length of hospital stay for the women treated with the single-dose MTX protocol was 1 day shorter compared with that for the women treated with the double-dose MTX protocol. CONCLUSION: Single- and double-dose MTX protocols have comparable efficacy and safety, and should be equally considered in women with PUL with initial ß-hCG < 2000 mIU/ml.

Can failure be predicted in methotrexate treatment with the modified parameter?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to increase the prediction of success of single-dose methotrexate therapy in ectopic pregnancy patients with modified parameters obtained from complete blood count and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) parameters. In this way, it was aimed to predict patients whose methotrexate treatment may fail and rupture, to avoid unnecessary methotrexate treatment, to shorten the duration of hospital stay and to reduce patient mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 233 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy between January 1, 2017, and March 01, 2022, in the obstetrics and gynecology service of a tertiary center were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean of ß-hCG was 1976 in the methotrexate group and 2358 in the surgery group (p < 0.05). The ROC curve determined the effect of BW (ß-hCGxWBC/1000) and BP (ß-hCGx1000/PLT) markers in diagnosing patients who will need surgery in ectopic pregnancy. The areas under the ROC curve for ß-hCG, BW and BP were 0.86, 0.99 and 0.94, respectively (p < 0.05). ß-hCG > 2139.03, BW > 30.96 and BP > 10.17 values were significantly associated with the need for surgery in ectopic pregnancy patients (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a 1-unit increase in BP caused a statistically significant 1.77-fold increase in surgical need in patients with ectopic pregnancy. In contrast, a 1-unit increase in BW caused a 2.34-fold increase in surgical need (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that BW and BP values together with ß-hCG are effective in predicting ectopic pregnancy patients who may undergo surgery.

Relationship of Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin to Ectopic Pregnancy Detection and Size.

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. Hospital protocols requiring a specific beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) level to qualify for diagnostic testing (pelvic ultrasound) can delay diagnosis and treatment. In this study we sought to determine the relationship between ß-hCG level and the size of ectopic pregnancy with associated outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective case review of patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy in an urban, academic emergency department specializing in obstetrical care, from January 1, 2015-December 31, 2017. Variables extracted included presentation, treatment, adverse outcomes, and rates of rupture. Results: We identified 519 unique ectopic pregnancies. Of those ectopic pregnancies, 22.9% presented with evidence of rupture on ultrasound, and 14.4% showed evidence of hemodynamic instability (pulse >100 beats per minute; systolic blood pressure <90 millimeters of mercury; or evidence of significant blood loss) on presentation. Medical management outcomes were as follows: of 177 patients who received single-dose methotrexate, 14.7% failed medical management and required surgical intervention; of 46 who received multi-dose methotrexate, 36.9% failed medical management and required surgical intervention. Ultimately, 55.7% of patients required operative management of their ectopic pregnancy. Mean ß-hCG level at initial presentation was 7,096 milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL) (SD 88,872 mIU/mL) with a median of 1,289 mIU/mL; 50.4% of ectopic pregnancies presented with ß-hCG levels less than the standard discriminatory zone of 1,500 mIU/mL. Additionally, 44% of the patients who presented with evidence of rupture had ß-hCG levels less than 1,500 mIU/mL. Comparison of size of ectopic pregnancy (based on maximum dimension in millimeters) to ß-hCG levels revealed a very weak correlation (r = 0.144, P < .001), and detection of ectopic pregnancies by ultrasound was independent of ß-hCG levels. Conclusion: Levels of ß-hCG do not correlate with the presence or size of an ectopic pregnancy, indicating need for diagnostic imaging regardless of ß-hCG level in patients with clinical suspicion for ectopic pregnancy. Almost one-sixth of patients presented with evidence of hemodynamic instability, and approximately one quarter of patients presented with evidence of rupture requiring emergent operative management. Ultimately, more than half of patients required an operative procedure to definitively manage their ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment Outcomes of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy Under a Novel Classification System: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the new classification system published by Jordans et al for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) can guide management and treatment outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of women diagnosed with CSP from October 2010 to December 2022 in a single tertiary center was performed. Sonographic records of these women were classified into three types according to the classification published by Jordans et al. Treatment outcomes were compared across each type of CSP. RESULTS: The study included a total of 84 women, where 60 (71.4%), 17 (20.2%), and 7 (8.3%) of them were categorized into Type 1, 2, and 3 CSP, respectively. A total of 47 (55.9%) women were managed with methotrexate, 22 (26.2%) underwent surgical management of the CSP without removal of the Cesarean section (CS) niche, and 11 (13.1%) underwent surgery to remove the CSP and the CS niche. Overall treatment success rates for medical management and surgical management were 70 and 97%, respectively. Four women were managed expectantly and continued their pregnancies, among which three carried beyond 34 weeks and had good neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The classification as published by Jordans et al is easily replicable and readily implemented clinically. Our findings show that a higher proportion of Type 1 and Type 2 CSP were treated successfully by a less invasive medical approach with a high success rate, whereas most Type 3 CSP required surgical resection to successfully remove the CSP and the CS niche. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and further validate the clinical utility of this nomenclature system.

Hysteroscopic subchorionic injection of methotrexate followed by laparoscopic excision of the gestational sac for the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: an innovative dual approach of a challenging pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an effective two-step surgical approach for the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEPs). CSEPs occur at an estimated frequency of 1 in 1,800 pregnancies, constituting approximately 6% of ectopic pregnancies in women with a history of prior cesarean delivery [1, 2]. Despite numerous recommended therapeutic approaches, the most effective treatment strategy remains uncertain [3]. DESIGN: We present an innovative double-step technique for the management of a patient with a CSEP involving hysteroscopic subchorionic injection of methotrexate (MTX), followed by laparoscopic resection of the residual gestational sac and simultaneous repair of the uterine defect. SETTING: Academic tertiary hospital. PATIENT: A 34-year-old G2P1001 with a history of prior cesarean section presented at 10 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound revealed a gestational sac within the niche of the previous cesarean scar, confirming the diagnosis of a CSEP. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, among others), and other applicable sites. INTERVENTION: The initial treatment involved hysteroscopic administration of MTX within the placental intervillous spaces, ensuring precise medication delivery. The administered dose of MTX was 1 mg/kg. Following the normalization of beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) levels, laparoscopic resection of the remaining gestational sac and reconstruction of the uterine wall defect were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We have implemented a management strategy focusing on ectopic pregnancy removal and addressing defect revision. The hysteroscopic approach allows for a clear assessment of the ectopic pregnancy and facilitates precise MTX administration, enhancing its effectiveness by increasing drug concentration within the placental intervillous space. Delaying surgical repair until after the ß-hCG levels have decreased reduces the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure, as lower ß-hCG levels are associated with reduced vascularity at the ectopic site. Subsequent laparoscopic resection allows for complete removal of the remaining products of conception and repair of the defect, preserving the uterus and restoring normal anatomy. Compared to other surgical approaches, our two-step approach enables a more precise evaluation of placental implantation, making it a highly effective surgical method. RESULTS: We successfully managed a CSEP using a double-step technique. This involved hysteroscopic injection of subchorionic MTX, followed by laparoscopic resection of the residual gestational sac. Concurrently, we repaired the uterine defect. Both procedures were performed in an outpatient setting without complications detected during or after treatment. At the follow-up visit, the patient reported good health, and subsequent ultrasound confirmed an empty isthmocele. CONCLUSION: This sequential hysteroscopic and laparoscopic approach represents a definitive and effective minimally invasive surgical option for the treatment of CSEP.

Pharmacological treatment of ectopic pregnancy: Accuracy, safety and cost-effectiveness of day 1-7 ß-hCG measurements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare accuracy, safety and cost-effectiveness of three ß-hCG measurements protocols, applied in managing ectopic pregnancies (EP) with methotrexate (MTX): (1) day 1 to 7 ß-hCG levels, (2) day 1 to 4 ß-hCG levels and (3) day 4 to 7 ß-hCG levels. METHODS: Cost-minimization analysis (CMA) based on a retrospective study of patients treated with single-dose MTX for EP, was evaluated at a single institution between January 2001 to May 2021. Successful MTX treatment was defined as no surgical intervention. We evaluated safety by analyzing cases of day 4 interventions and cases of inconsistency between the different protocols. Predicting accuracy was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients with single dose MTX treatment were included. Overall, 184 (80.3%) patients were treated successfully with a single dose of MTX. For days 1 and 7 the optimal cutoff point was 7% reduction in ß-hCG levels with sensitivity, specificity and PPV of 76.6% (69.9-82.5, 95% CI), 75.5% (60.5-87.1, 95% CI) and 92.8% (88.4-95.6, 95% CI), respectively. There was no significant difference between the protocols' AUC. None of the patients had any change of management during their day 4 visit in our 20 years of records. The cost for each visit day (day 4 and 7) was calculated with a total cost of 251 USD per patient. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with MTX for EP, measurement of day 1 and day 7 ß-hCG serum levels has a cost minimization advantage and is not inferior to the traditional protocol for predictive accuracy and safety.

Evaluation of a scoring system to predict treatment success with single-dose methotrexate in ectopic pregnancy.

PURPOSE: This study sought to assess the efficacy of a newly developed scoring system in predicting treatment outcomes for ectopic pregnancy among patients undergoing single-dose methotrexate therapy. The primary research question centered on the reliability and predictive accuracy of objective parameters in determining methotrexate therapy success. METHODS: Conducted as a retrospective single-center cohort study, data from 172 ectopic pregnancy patients treated with methotrexate between January 2021 and January 2023 were analyzed. Parameters including adnexal mass size, peritoneal fluid presence, yolk sac identification, endometrial thickness, ectopic pregnancy location, and initial B-hCG levels were meticulously evaluated for their association with treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Following the exclusion of 21 emergency surgery cases, the final analysis comprised 151 patients. Notable associations were observed between specific parameters (fetal cardiac activity, adnexal mass size > 3.5 cm, peritoneal fluid presence, yolk sac identification, endometrial thickness > 10 mm, and initial B-hCG levels) and treatment outcomes (p < 0.001). Additionally, the novel scoring system demonstrated promising predictive performance. At a cutoff of 2.50, it achieved a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 59.7%. Increasing the cutoff to 3.50 resulted in a sensitivity of 94.0%, with a specificity of 46.3%. CONCLUSION: Objective parameters, particularly those integrated into the developed scoring system, exhibited substantial associations with methotrexate therapy outcomes in ectopic pregnancy. These findings underscore the potential of an objective scoring model to significantly influence clinical decision-making in therapy, offering avenues for enhanced prognostication and patient care in treatment outcomes.

Evaluation of the parameters in predicting single-dose methotrexate therapy success for ectopic pregnancy.

AIM: Methotrexate has demonstrated efficacy in treating ectopic pregnancies. This study explores factors influencing treatment success, focusing on laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, particularly the day 4 to day 1 ß-hCG level ratio. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was conducted within patients diagnosed with tubal ectopic pregnancy. Patients' characteristics, ultrasound findings, laboratory data, and ß-hCG levels (days 1, 4, 7), and operation findings were reviewed. Women's characteristics were investigated who were treated with single dose of MTX (50 mg/m2). Patients who were performed surgery after MTX treatment were identified as MTX treatment failure. RESULTS: Among 439 women, 259 underwent surgery due to acute symptoms. Of those treated with MTX, 143 experienced treatment success, while 37 underwent surgery after MTX (MTX failure). Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in ß-hCG levels on admission (1128 and 4125 mIU/mL) and the day 4 to day 1 ß-hCG ratio (0.91 and 1.25). The overall MTX success rate was 79%, reaching 93% and 89% for ß-hCG levels <1000 mIU/mL and <2000 mIU/mL, respectively. Success dropped to 50% with levels exceeding 5000 mIU/mL. ROC analysis identified a crucial 2255 mIU/mL cut-off for ß-hCG (sensitivity 70.3% and specificity 68.5%) and a day 4 to day 1 ß-hCG ratio of 95.5% (sensitivity 84.7%, specificity 72.5%, positive predictive value 75.4%) for predicting MTX success. CONCLUSION: Establishing a ß-hCG cutoff can reduce hospital stay. The day 4 to day 1 ß-hCG ratio holds promise as a widely applicable predictor for MTX success or for determining MTX administration on day 4.

Non-tubal ectopic pregnancy treatment experiences of a tertiary care center.

AIM: To evaluate the incidence, the risk factors, and the treatment outcomes of Non-tubal ectopic pregnancies (NTEP) treated in a tertiary care center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 110 NTEP cases treated between 2014 and 2019 were included in the retrospective study. The study cohort was divided into 6 groups according to the pregnancy localization: 87 cesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs), 7 ovarian pregnancies, 6 interstitial pregnancies, 4 rudimentary horn pregnancies, 4 abdominal pregnancies, and 2 cervical pregnancies. One woman rejected all treatment modalities. Demographic characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of each group were evaluated. RESULTS: In the study cohort, expectant management was performed in one (0.9%) woman. The methotrexate (MTX) treatment was administered in 29 (26.3%) women. Seventeen (15.4%) women underwent surgery, and 63 (57.2%) women underwent manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). A woman rejected all treatment modalities. Although 70.1% (n = 61) of CSPs were cured with MVA, 24.1% (n = 21) of them were treated with a single-dose MTX regimen in addition to MVA. The higher mean gestational sac size (33,9 ± 12,96 mm vs. 17,34 ± 9,87 mm), the higher mean gestational week (8,43 ± 1,16w vs. 6,66 ± 1,49w), the presence of fetal heartbeat (FHB) (90.5% vs. 26,2%) and the history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (38.1% vs. 6,6%) were found in the CSPs with MVA treatment failure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The management of NTEPs should be individualized according to the clinical and ultrasonographic findings. The size of the ectopic pregnancy mass, the gestational week, the presence of FHB, and the PID history were the predictive factors for the failure of MVA in CSP cases.

Adjuvant misoprostol or mifepristone for cervical preparation with osmotic dilators before dilation and evacuation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare effectiveness and safety of cervical preparation with osmotic dilators plus same-day misoprostol or overnight mifepristone prior to dilation and evacuation (D&E). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 664 patients initiating abortion between 18 and 22 weeks at an ambulatory health center. We abstracted medical record data from two consecutive 12-month periods in 2017 to 2019. All patients received overnight dilators plus: 600 mcg buccal misoprostol 90 minutes before D&E (period 1); 200 mg oral mifepristone at time of dilators (period 2). Our primary outcome was procedure time. We report frequency of patients experiencing any acute complication, defined as unplanned procedure (i.e., reaspiration, cervical laceration repair, uterine balloon tamponade) or hospital transfer and bleeding complications. RESULTS: We observed higher mean procedure time in the mifepristone group (9.7 ± 5.3 minutes vs 7.9 ± 4.4, p = 0.004). After adjusting for race, ethnicity, insurance, body mass index, parity, prior cesarean, prior uterine surgery, gestational age, provider, trainee participation, and long-acting reversible contraception initiation, the difference remained statistically significant (relative change 1.09, 95% CI 1.01, 1.17) but failed to reach our threshold for clinical significance. The use of additional misoprostol was more common in the mifepristone group, but the use of an additional set of dilators was not different between groups. Acute complications occurred at a frequency of 4.1% in misoprostol group and 4.3% in mifepristone group (p = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: We found procedure time to be longer with adjunctive mifepristone compared to misoprostol; however, this difference is unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Furthermore, the frequency of acute complications was similar between groups. IMPLICATIONS: Overnight mifepristone at the time of cervical dilator placement is a safe and effective alternative to adjuvant same-day misoprostol for cervical preparation prior to D&E and may offer benefits for clinic flow and patient experience.

Expectant management versus systemic methotrexate in the management of persistent pregnancy of unknown location, a seven-year retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare Expectant management to systemic methotrexate in the management of persistent pregnancy of unknown location with beta-hCG levels below the discrimination zone. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 71 women with persistent pregnancy of unknown location. They were divided into two groups according to the applied management; Group 1, (n = 40) who were managed expectantly and Group 2 (n = 31) who were given a single dose of methotrexate. Data variables were collected and analyzed to evaluate whether expectant management was as effective as methotrexate. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, parity, gestational age, body mass index and day seven beta-hCG. Success rates were (32 patients (80%) and 28 patients (90.3%) in expectant management and methotrexate groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean values for day zero and day four beta-hCG were significantly higher and the mean duration for complete recovery was statistically shorter in the methotrexate group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding prior ectopic, percentage of beta-hCG level drop on day four and day seven, success rate, occurrence of sequelae and patient satisfaction that area under the curve (AUC) for group 1 (expectant management) is 0.566 at 95% Confidence Interval of (0.388: 0.745). CONCLUSION: Expectant management is an effective and safe alternative to single-dose methotrexate for persistent PUL with beta-hCG levels below the discrimination zone.

Expectant management of tubal pregnancies with human chorionic gonadotropin up to 2000 mIU/mL.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes of expectant management (EM) versus methotrexate (MTX) treatment in tubal pregnancies with pretreatment human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) less than 2000 mIU/mL. METHODS: This retrospective cohort from two tertiary hospitals included women with confirmed tubal pregnancies and pretreatment hCG <2000 mIU/mL. Exclusion criteria were unrecorded pregnancy site, unconfirmed diagnosis, and surgical treatment upon diagnosis. The primary outcome was eventual rate of surgical treatment. RESULTS: Between December 2009 and June 2021, 545 of 2114 (25.8%) women diagnosed with a tubal pregnancy met our inclusion criteria. We compared women who underwent EM (N = 201) with women who received MTX (N = 344). All women in the EM group had a declining trend of hCG. The MTX group had higher pretreatment hCG and higher rates of yolk sac or embryo presence on ultrasound. Eventual surgical treatment rate was higher in the MTX group compared with the EM group (39 [11.3%] vs. 9 [4.5%], P = 0.006), with no difference in the treatment failure rate or tubal rupture rate. In a subgroup analysis of women with pretreatment hCG between 1000 and 2000 mIU/mL, eventual surgical treatment, treatment failure, and tubal rupture rates did not differ between groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that eventual surgical treatment was independently associated with hCG levels less than 1000 mIU/mL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.56) and endometriosis (aOR 9.20, 95% CI 3.55-23.81). CONCLUSION: Expectant management of tubal pregnancies with pretreatment hCG levels less than 2000 mIU/mL and even between 1000 and 2000 mIU/mL and with a declining trend of hCG demonstrated lower or comparable rates of eventual surgical treatment, when compared with MTX treatment.