Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2021, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 344-347.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20200687

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Diagnosis and Treatment of Heterotopic Pregnancy

CHANG Xiao-ying, WANG Li-yan, SHEN Hao-fei, SONG Ji, XU Ling-bo, ZHANG Xue-hong()   

  1. Specialist Hospital of Reproductive Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
  • Received:2020-12-07 Published:2021-07-15 Online:2021-07-27
  • Contact: ZHANG Xue-hong E-mail:zhangxueh@lzu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is a complicated pathological pregnancy, which is rare in natural pregnancy. However, with the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), the incidence is gradually increasing. Tubal factors and the application of ART are the main factors of HP pathogenesis. It is easy to miss diagnosis or delay diagnosis because of simultaneous intrauterine pregnancy and lack of specificity of symptoms and signs in early stage. The combined application of transvaginal ultrasound and blood hCG value can improve the sensitivity of diagnosis. Therefore, patients with high-risk factors should be in well vigilant, and be diagnosed early, so as to reduce the incidence of adverse obstetric outcomes. Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment for HP, and other treatments include conservative treatment and drug treatment. Because of the different reproductive needs of patients, the individualized treatment should be adopted to minimize the impact on intrauterine pregnancy and strive for a better pregnancy outcome. If HP can be diagnosed early and treated actively, the prognosis is generally better.

Key words: Pregnancy, heterotopic, Pregnancy, ectopic, Reproductive techniques, assisted, Methotrexate, Laparoscopy