Systemic methotrexate in early pregnancy
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Systemic methotrexate in early pregnancy
About this study:
Methotrexate (MTX) is a medication used to treat early pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo implants outside the uterus. This study aims to review the use of MTX in the first trimester at Cork University Maternity Hospital and to assess the outcomes for patients. We looked at medical records of women treated with MTX from January 2018 to December 2020. The main reasons for treatment included tubal ectopic pregnancies (where the embryo implants in the fallopian tube), pregnancies of unknown location, and pregnancies implanted in a previous cesarean scar. Our findings showed that MTX successfully treated 88% of tubal ectopic pregnancies, with most women requiring only one dose. A small number of women needed emergency surgery due to complications. For pregnancies of unknown location, MTX was effective in 93% of cases. Women with cesarean scar pregnancies were treated with a combination of MTX and a procedure to remove the pregnancy without complications. In conclusion, MTX is an effective treatment for tubal ectopic pregnancies, consistent with other hospitals. Special care is needed when using MTX for other types of pregnancy complications to ensure safety and success. Systemic MTX use, guided by clinicians specializing in early pregnancy complications and safe medication practices, may improve treatment success and reduce adverse events.
People involved:
- Dr. Ahmed Lufti
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital. - Dr. Deirdre Hayes-Ryan
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital.
National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork
Pregnancy Loss Research Group, University College Cork. - Ms. Elmarie Cotrell
Department of Pharmacy, Cork University Matenity Hospital. - Professor Richard Greene
Director, National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital.
Related publications: