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Methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2015

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancy is a common and serious problem, with a significant morbidity rate and the potential for maternal death. The earlier diagnosis of unruptured ectopic pregnancy allows the use of more conservative treatment options.

Medical treatment with methotrexate (MTX) has become a safe and effective means of treating ectopic pregnancy. Methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist, acts by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid.

Methotrexate stops the growth of rapidly dividing cells, such as embryonic, fetal, and early placenta cells. There are two commonly used MTX treatment protocols - single and multidose regimens.

With proper patient selection, success rate approach 90%.