The potential of preoperative beta-hCG and progesterone levels to predict failure of laparoscopic linear salpingostomy in ectopic pregnancies.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the association between preoperative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone levels, and success of linear salpingostomy in treatment of tubal pregnancy.

DESIGN

Retrospective case control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

Women's general hospital.

PATIENTS: Three hundred five women undergoing laparoscopic linear salpingostomy for ectopic pregnancy.

INTERVENTION: Examination of risk factors for surgical failure of salpingostomy by analyzing corresponding receiver operating curves.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

In 305 women, intervention was successful in 272 and failed in 33, as assessed by either postoperative hemorrhage (16) or rising beta-hCG values (14); 3 women had both. Of 295 patients in whom beta-hCG was evaluated preoperatively, 149 (50.5%) had values of 1000 mU/ml. or less; 75% had progesterone levels of 10 ng/ml or below. No association was found between preoperative beta-hCG and progesterone levels and the success of linear salpingostomy.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative beta-hCG and progesterone levels are of no significance with regard to success of linear salpingostomy for treatment of tubal pregnancy.