Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is defined as the implantation and development of a fertilized embryo outside the uterine cavity. It remains a leading cause of maternal mortality during the first trimester of pregnancy. Among the various treatment methods for ectopic pregnancy, medical management using methotrexate (MTX) is a non-surgical approach with high success rates, safety, and fertility preservation potential. Objective: To study the clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic characteristics and risk factors in patients with ectopic pregnancy indicated for medical management. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study with follow-up was conducted on 39 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated medically with MTX at the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical examination, pelvic ultrasound, and measurements of β-hCG and progesterone levels. Results: The mean gestational age was 6.89 ± 1.39 weeks. The triad of delayed menstruation, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding was the most common clinical presentation. The mean β-hCG level was 1827 ± 1407.9 mIU/mL, and the mean progesterone level was 5.85 ± 4.8 ng/mL. The mean size of the ectopic mass on ultrasound was 24.7 ± 11.2 mm, and 53.8% of cases presented with abdominal fluid. The success rate of MTX treatment was 89.7%. Conclusion: Clinical and paraclinical characteristics play a crucial role in the diagnosis and successful medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy