Systemic methotrexate (MTX) in early pregnancy: a retrospective study of a tertiary maternity hospital

About

• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the normal uterine cavity. Methotrexate is a medical option in appropriate cases of ectopic pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the use of methotrexate in early pregnancy in our hospital and compare our selection criteria, treatment outcomes, and complications with national and global practices.
• We found that doctors have varying approaches when it comes to prescribing methotrexate in early pregnancy.
• The effectiveness of using methotrexate for treating tubal ectopic pregnancies in our hospital aligns with national and international standards. Having specialists in early pregnancy complications make decisions about methotrexate treatment, and ensuring safe methotrexate prescribing and administration practices can potentially enhance treatment success and reduce adverse effects.

People

• Dr Ahmed Lutfi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork
• Dr Deirdre Hayes-Ryan, Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork
• Ms Elmarie Cottrell, Department of Pharmacy, Cork University Hospital
• Professor Richard Greene, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork