Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2005 Oct;48(10):2386-2392.

Clinical Experiences of 7 Cases of Heterotopic Pregnancy

• Byun JG
• Chang HJ
• Hwang KJ
• Kim MR
• Seo SS
• Ryu HS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Although heterotopic pregnancy is a rare disorder, it is on an increasing tendency due to frequent use of intrauterine device, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovulation induction, assisted reproductive technology. This study was performed the clinical experiences of seven patients with heterotopic pregnancy.
METHODS
Seven patients diagnosed as heterotopic pregnancy were analyzed by various factors such as age, symptoms, beta-hCG levels, gestational age at the time of diagnosis, postoperative course, sites of ectopic pregnancy, use of assisted reproductive technology, multiple pregnancy, and mode of surgery.
RESULTS
The mean age of patients was 29.1 years, and chief complaint was abdominal pain. Laparotomy was done in 5 patients, and laparoscopy was done in 2 patients. Four of seven patients delivered at term, two were twins, two singletones.
CONCLUSION
In heterotopic pregnancy, identification of intrauterine pregnancy without confirmation of ectopic pregnancy is associated with poor prognosis for both mother and fetus, and hence early dignosis and careful examination are need. Ectopic pregnancy should be removed and intrauterine pregnancy should be maintained.

Keyword

Heterotopic pregnancy; Prognosis

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Diagnosis
Female
Fetus
Gestational Age
Humans
Intrauterine Devices
Laparoscopy
Laparotomy
Mothers
Ovulation Induction
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Ectopic
Pregnancy, Heterotopic*
Pregnancy, Multiple
Prognosis
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
Twins