Randomized comparison of health-related quality of life in women with ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy of unknown location treated with systemic methotrexate or expectant management

ObjectiveTo study the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of treatment with systemic methotrexate (MTX) or expectant management in women with ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) with low and plateauing serum hCG concentrations.Study designHRQoL was assessed alongside a randomized clinical trial (RCT) with the use of standard self-administered psychometric measure questionnaires.Patients and settingAll women who participated in the multicenter RCT comparing treatment with systemic MTX to expectant management in women with ectopic pregnancy or persisting PUL were eligible for the HRQoL measurements.Main outcome measureHRQoL measures of three standardized questionnaires (SF-36, RSCL, HADS).ResultsData were available for 64 of 73 women (78%) randomized in the RCT. We found no difference in HRQoL between the two treatment groups. The need for additional treatment, i.e. additional MTX injections or surgical intervention, had no impact on HRQoL.ConclusionWomen treated with MTX or expectant management for an ectopic pregnancy or persisting PUL have comparable quality of life.