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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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01-06-2006 | Original Paper

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

Authors: Hirotsune Kaijima, Hisao Osada, Keiichi Kato, Tomoya Segawa, Yuji Takehara, Shokichi Teramoto, Osamu Kato

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 6/2006

Abstract

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 (β-hCG) levels before and after the injection.

Results: In the 60 successful cases (87%), the serum β-hCG level decreased by 10–30% in two hours postinjection. Of these, 46 were effective with a single injection and the half-life of β-hCG was achieved within 4 days in 45 cases. In 56 cases (including repetitive administration) serum β-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.

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Title: The efficacy and safety of managing ectopic pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol
Authors: Hirotsune Kaijima
Hisao Osada
Keiichi Kato
Tomoya Segawa
Yuji Takehara
Shokichi Teramoto
Osamu Kato
Publication date: 01-06-2006
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 6/2006
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-006-9037-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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