Publication:

Clinical study on ectopic pregnancy

Background Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency which is one of the important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in early pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy must be suspected in any woman in the reproductive age group, presenting with lower abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. It is of great importance to diagnose the condition early to prevent complications. The aim of the study is to review all cases of ectopic pregnancy and determine the incidence, high risk factors, types of clinical presentation and mode of management in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods A retrospective study conducted on 108 patients of ectopic pregnancy admitted at obstetrics and gynaecology department, civil hospital Ahmedabad from January 2021 to June 2022.

Results In this study 108 patients, diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy observed during the study period, with an incidence of 1.09%. Majority of women were aged 20-30 years (45.3%) and multiparous (59.25%). The 66.6% cases were ruptured ectopic. The most common risk factors were pelvic inflammatory disease (16.7%), past history of infertility (14.8%) and IUCD (12.03%). Lower abdominal pain was seen in 98 (90.74%) patients and pallor was seen in 84 (77.78%). Majority of patients had tubal ectopic pregnancies. Most common mode of treatment was unilateral salpingectomy (79.62%).

Conclusions Ectopic pregnancy is leading cause of maternal mortality in first trimester. Safe sexual practices can reduce pelvic infections and ectopic pregnancy incidences. Early diagnosis before tubal rupture can reduce morbidity and mortality in ectopic pregnancy.