[Non-ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Treatment with methotrexate]

Presse Med. 1993 Nov 27;22(37):1876-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Methotrexate is now being used in the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy. Experimental studies have shown that methotrexate inhibits the proliferation of normal trophoblast cells and that it has nos deleterious effect on tubal epithelium and no long-term teratogenic effect. Its pharmacokinetics is about the same when it is administered systemically or by intratubal injection. The clinical results obtained are independent of the mode of administration, with an 80 percent success rate. Thus, in the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy methotrexate is a good alternative to laparoscopic surgery. The fertility of women treated with this drug seems to be preserved, but the published data are still insufficient and fragmentary.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Female
  • Fertility / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / pharmacokinetics
  • Methotrexate / pharmacology
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trophoblasts / drug effects

Substances

  • Methotrexate