Clinical Experiences of 7 Cases of Heterotopic Pregnancy.

Byun, Jae Gwang; Chang, Hye Jin; Hwang, Kyung Joo; Kim, Mi Ran; Seo, Sung Sug; Ryu, Hee Sug

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2005;48(10):2386-2392.
Published online October 1, 2005.

Clinical Experiences of 7 Cases of Heterotopic Pregnancy.

Jae Gwang Byun, Hye Jin Chang, Kyung Joo Hwang, Mi Ran Kim, Sung Sug Seo, Hee Sug Ryu

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea. kjhwang@ajou.ac.kr

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.

Key Words: Heterotopic pregnancy, Prognosis