What is a heterotopic pregnancy?

Objectives:

To analyze the incidence, diagnostic, and therapeutic management of heterotopic pregnancy by comparing a review for the 1971-1993 period with the one carried out in the present study (1994-2004).

Design:

Review of the literature.

Setting:

University teaching assisted reproductive technology (ART) center.

Patients:

Two case reports included in a comparative review of the literature on heterotopic pregnancy.

Intervention(s):

Review of the published literature from January 1994 to December 2004 was performed by means of MEDLINE database. Medical subject heading words used were: heterotopic pregnancy, assisted reproductive technology, and ectopic pregnancy. A comparison with a previously reported review, including cases from 1971 to 1993.

Settings, Design and Main Outcome Measures:

Comparative study of the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

Result(s):

During the 1971-1993 period the definitive diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy was performed by laparoscopy or laparotomy in 59% of cases. This proportion increased to 74% from 1994 to 2004. Likewise, the percentage of cases in which an early diagnosis was possible (performed before the ninth week of pregnancy) did not vary in any of the time periods evaluated (71% vs. 74%).

Conclusion(s):

Despite the increased medical knowledge and use of improved reproductive technologies, heterotopic pregnancy still remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to practitioners.

Please click on the required question.

• 1 How successful is infertility treatment?
• 2 How can we compare infertility treatments?
• 3 How can we compare outcomes between different fertility units?
• 4 Are treatments for infertility improving?
• 5 Is there an increased chance of miscarriage following infertility treatment?
• 6 Is there an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy following infertility treatment?
• 7 What is a heterotopic pregnancy?
• 8 What problems can occur with multiple pregnancy?
• 9 What is selective termination of pregnancy?
• 10 How can the pregnancy risks following infertility treatment be reduced?
• 11 We have had infertility treatment which has been successful. How will our pregnancy be cared for?
• 12 If we have infertility treatment, will our baby be healthy?
• 13 What are the psychological effects of infertility? information?
• 14 Where can I obtain more information?
• 15 Infertility Support Groups.
  

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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.