Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between the frequency of tubal ectopic pregnancy and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Method: In this prospective study, a comparison is made between a group of 106 healthy women and a group of 106 women who were diagnosed with first-trimester tubal ectopic pregnancies through natural conception. Although no known reason for ectopic pregnancy was identified, patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and hospitalized were included. The ectopic pregnancy group comprised women aged 22-43 years, and the control group comprised women aged 22-40 years. Women known to have low ovarian reserve were excluded, as were women with a family history of premature ovarian failure, and those with additional causes that may decrease ovarian reserve, such as pelvic surgery. In addition, cervical, heterotopic, ovarian, or ectopic pregnancies of unknown location were excluded from the study. Serial beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and transvaginal ultrasonography were used for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, along with the measurement of serum AMH level as an indicator of ovarian reserve.

Results: In both groups, a lower serum AMH level was negatively correlated with increasing age (r=-0.210, p<0.01), and the ectopic pregnancy group had lower serum AMH levels (1.51 and 3.69 ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001) than healthy women of equivalent age. Ectopic pregnancy was found to increase 1.7 times with each 1-ng/mL decrease in AMH.

Conclusion: According to the results of the study, decreased serum AMH levels in women of all ages increased the frequency of ectopic pregnancy.