Evaluation of the relationship between endometrial thickness measured by transvaginal ultrasound and response rate to the treatment with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate in the women with ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is an emergency gynecologic problem which means replacement of blastocyst outside the uterine cavity and it has many detrimental effects in regard to social, economic and personal aspects. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between endometrial thickness measured by transvaginal ultrasound and response rate to the treatment of ectopic pregnancy with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Imam Reza Hospital, in Kermanshah, and included 63 patients with βHCG greater than or equal to 1200 mIU/mL and without ultrasonography evidence of intrauterine gestational sac. Also patients with constant βHCG level or increased levels of less than 50% within 48 hours were regarded as cases of ectopic pregnancy. Then endometrial thickness was measured. Methotrexate 50 mg/m2 was administered intramuscularly. βHCG titers were measured 4 and 7 days after treatment. Using SPSS 21 software, data were analyzed by statistical tests. We achieved a treatment success of 82.5% with single dose intramuscular methotrexate. Age and size of mass had no relationship with endometrial thickness (p>0.05). However, there was a correlation between endometrial thickness and βHCG titer (p<0.05). We also found a significant relationship between endometrial thickness and the response rate to the treatment of ectopic pregnancy with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate. According to the results of this study, endometrial thickness has a significant relationship with the response to therapy with single dose intramuscular methotrexate. Therefore, endometrial thickness, measured by transvaginal ultrasound, can be used as a parameter in ectopic pregnancy.