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Rupture of ectopic pregnancy with minimally detectable beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels: A report of 2 cases

Rupture of ectopic pregnancy with minimally detectable beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels: A report of 2 cases JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE Fu, J., Henne, M. B., Blumstein, S., Lathi, R. B. 2007; 52 (6): 541-542

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated that 25-77% of ectopic pregnancies spontaneously resolve with expectant management. However, expectant management is controversial and should be considered only for patients with small, unruptured gestational sacs, low beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels and absence of symptoms. There is no consensus on how long to follow such patients.Two patients with beta-hCG levels < 10 mIU/mL presented with ruptured ectopic pregnancy and hemoperitoneum.While expectant management of a suspected ectopic pregnancy may allow spontaneous resolution of such an ectopic pregnancy, rupture may occur at any time and even with extremely low beta-hCG levels. Patients need to be counseled about the risks of rupture and symptoms, immediate action should be taken if symptoms develop, and serum beta-hCG levels should be followed to zero.

View details for Web of Science ID 000247354600017

View details for PubMedID 17694977