The impact of maternal electrolyte and albumin levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancies Ektopik gebeliklerde tek doz metotreksat tedavisi başarısına maternal elektrolit ve albümin düzeylerinin etkisi


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Başkıran Y., Uçkan K., Karaçor T., Çeleğen İ., Acar Z.

Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol.20, no.3, pp.214-218, 2023 (ESCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2023.71509
  • Journal Name: Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.214-218
  • Keywords: albumin, Ectopic pregnancy, inflammation, methotrexate, serum electrolytes, β-hcg
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of maternal albumin and serum electrolyte levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate (SD-Mtx) therapy for ectopic pregnancies. Building on previous research, recommendations are provided to enhance the success of SD-Mtx therapy in the management of ectopic pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Conducted at a tertiary center gynecology clinic, the study included 353 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated with SD-Mtx from 2012 to 2023. Patients who responded positively to SD-Mtx treatment comprised Group 1 (n=313), while those requiring surgical intervention due to failed SD-Mtx therapy constituted Group 2 (n=40). Through the hospital’s digital database, patient data including complete blood count, biochemistry, and hormone test results were retrospectively examined. Results: The mean β-hCG value was 1996 IU/mL for Group 1 in contrast to 2058 IU/mL for Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in β-hCG levels between the two groups. Notably, Group 1 patients exhibited lower serum magnesium levels but higher potassium levels compared to Group 2 patients, with statistically significant differences. Furthermore, Group 1 patients had higher albumin levels than those in Group 2, with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Successful SD-Mtx treatment was associated with lower maternal serum magnesium levels and higher potassium and albumin levels. Considering electrolyte levels before administering SD-Mtx and addressing any imbalances could potentially enhance treatment success. Additionally, restoring low albumin levels might improve the efficacy of SD-Mtx treatment for ectopic pregnancies. While this study suggests these trends, further extensive studies with a larger sample size are necessary to establish more definitive evidence.