Treatment of tubal pregnancies with prostaglandins: Correlation between hormone profile and success
Abstract
Summary To assess the treatment of tubal pregnancy with prostaglandins, serial analysis of β-hCG, prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone was performed in 42 patients. A total of 30 patients (71 per cent) were managed successfully with prostaglandins. Below an initial serum β-hCG value of 2500 miu/ml the success rate was 86 per cent; above 2500 miu/ml the rate dropped to 39 per cent. In the low β-hCG group serum prolactin values decreased after successful treatment but there was no decrease in the failure group. Oestradiol and progesterone levels did not differ between the groups. In patients with initial β-hCG values < 2500 miu/ml prostaglandin treatment seems to produce favourable results. Patients with β-hCG values < 2500 miu/ml should be treated by alternative surgical methods.