Evaluation of the Effect of Multi-dose Methotrexate Therapy on Ovarian Reserve in Ectopic Pregnancies: is Polycystic Ovarian Morphology a Protective Condition for Ovarian Reserve?

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the effects of multi-dose methotrexate (MTX) or subsequent salpingectomy on ovarian reserve and explain the conditions that cause the change in serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Material And Methods: Our department had 58 tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) patients treated with a multiple-dose MTX protocol or subsequent salpingectomy between 2017-2020. Serum AMH level was measured in each patient before the medication and 3-6 months after therapy. Patients' details were recorded and analyzed later.

Results: The mean AMH value decreased in 32 patients (-17.8%), increased in 26 patients (+31.5%) (p < 0.0001). In the group with an increase, there was a significantly high number of patients with a polycystic ovary (PCO) condition compared to the other group (p = 0.0001). The post-treatment serum AMH levels increased in patients with PCO, whereas those decreased in patients without PCO (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Multiple-dose MTX or subsequent salpingectomy treatment in tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) patients might not refer to significant differences in patients' AMH levels. Remarkably, post-treatment AMH levels were significantly increased in EP patients with PCO and decreased in those without this condition. PCO may be a protective condition for ovarian reserve.