Objective: The efficacy and indication of single-dose intramuscular methotrexate to treat early ectopic pregnancy were explored.
Methods: 27 cases of ectopic pregnancy were treated by single-dose intramuscular methotrexate (50 mg/m2) without citrovorum rescue. The beta-hCG was monitored regularly till it became normal. Twelve of them recieved this regimen in outpatient service.
Results: 24 cases (88.9%) were successfully treated. Three failed and switched to operation. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in gestational age and size of adnexa ectopic mass between successful cases and failed cases, but highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in occurrence rate of abdominal pain and beta-hCG titers before treatment.
Conclusion: The early diagnosis and adherence to strict criteria are the keys to successful management. No abdominal pain, ectopic mass < or = 5 cm in greatest dimension and titer of serum beta-hCG < 6000 IU/L were mainly indications of drug treatment.