Online ISSN: 2149-3189
2015
Monthly
Nicaea Medical Publishing
Türkiye

Severe bone marrow suppression following single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy

Betül Dündar, Burcu Dinçgez Çakmak, Gülten Özgen, Fatma Ketenci Gencer, Burcu Aydın Boyama
  • Betül Dündar (Author) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa
  • Burcu Dinçgez Çakmak (Author) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa
  • Gülten Özgen (Author) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa
  • Fatma Ketenci Gencer (Author) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul
  • Burcu Aydın Boyama (Author) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medipol University, Esenler Hospital, İstanbul
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.304373
Abstract
Methotrexate is associated with multisystem side effects which depend on the dosage, route of administration and length of treatment. Bone marrow suppression is a very rare but one of the most mortal complications. A case of severe bone marrow suppression following single dose methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy was presented in this study. A 33-year-old woman, diagnosed as ectopic pregnancy, was given single-dose intramuscular methotrexate of 50 mg/m². On 10th day patient was admitted with lethargy, irritability, vomiting, hematemesis, diarrhea, oral mucositis and skin rash. Laboratory findings revealed severe bone marrow suppression. Supportive treatment together with antibacterial/ antifungal drugs and granulocyte colony stimulating factors were administered. On the 3rd day of treatment, mucositis and oral intake began to improve. After 1 week complete blood count was normal. Methotrexate may have mortal clinical consequences even with very low doses. Therefore, a careful patient history for patient selection and closer clinical follow-up are essential. 
Keywords
Bone marrow suppression, ectopic pregnancy, methotrexate, side effects, single-dose regimen
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How to Cite
1.
Dündar B, Dinçgez Çakmak B, Özgen G, Ketenci Gencer F, Aydın Boyama B. Severe bone marrow suppression following single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Eur Res J. 2017;3(3):285-289. doi:10.18621/eurj.304373
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Vol. 3 No. 3 (2017)

Article Information

  • Article Type Case Report
  • Submitted February 21, 2026
  • Published November 3, 2017
  • Issue Vol. 3 No. 3 (2017)
  • Section Case Report
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