Figure 1. Literature Search and Study Selection Process.

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines [14] and utilized PubMed, BioMed Central, and EBSCO to search for clinical studies on beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) monitoring in patients with ectopic pregnancy. First, the keywords were limited to “Ectopic pregnancy + β-hCG,” “β-hCG,” “β-hCG, Pregnancy,” and “Ectopic Pregnancy + Diagnosis.” Then, by using filters and inclusion criteria, including articles written in English, complete clinical studies, retrospective clinical studies, and clinical observational and cross-sectional studies, with select patient demographics (patients in the reproductive age group and below 50, patients with patent ectopic pregnancy and tubal rupture), we selected relevant studies. Moreover, the literature search was not limited to studies published in the last 10 years, and as such there was no set year limit.