Prognostic factors for successful expectant management of ectopic pregnancy

Objective To determine the independent ability of initial hCG titers, trend of hCG titers, and ultrasonographic findings in the prediction of successful expectant management in ectopic pregnancy (EP). Design Case-control study. Setting University hospital. Patients Sixty-seven patients with EP managed expectantly, 49 of whom (73%) had a spontaneous resolution, whereas 3 (5%) underwent medical treatment, and 15 (22%) eventually underwent surgical treatment. Results Univariate analysis showed that the initial hCG titer, the trend in hCG titers between first and second sample, and ultrasonographic visualization of absence of an ectopic gestational sac were significant predictors of a successful expectant management. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, an hCG titer Conclusion Expectant management of EP is successful in the majority of patients with initial hCG titer