The efficacy and safety of managing ectopic pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol.

PURPOSE: To describe the efficacy and safety of managing ectopic pregnancies (EP) with ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol (AE).

METHODS

69 cases of EP following IVF performed in our clinic were treated with a local injection of 0.3 ml AE with a 23-gauge needle under transvaginal ultrasonic guidance. The efficacy was evaluated comparing serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels before and after the injection.

RESULTS

In the 60 successful cases (87%), the serum beta-hCG level decreased by 10-30% in two hours postinjection. Of these, 46 were effective with a single injection and the half-life of beta-hCG was achieved within 4 days in 45 cases. In 56 cases (including repetitive administration) serum beta-hCG levels decreased to 20 mIU/mL within 20 days. The treatment showed no side effects and could be given on an outpatient basis without anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

This method was shown to be a safe, effective new approach to treating EP.