Publication:

An audit of extra-uterine pregnancy in a tertiary care facility in Northern India

Background Ectopic pregnancy is the most frequent lethal gynaecological predicament, befalling worldwide in all strata of reproductive women. It remains the leading cause of pregnancy-related first trimester deaths. Though prompt diagnosis has furthered a decline in associated morbidity, an upsurge has been seen in its prevalence owing to a rise in predisposing risk factors. The objectives of this study were to identify incidence, risk factors, and outcome in patients presenting with ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods This two-year retrospective study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung hospital, on patients presenting with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (either ruptured or un-ruptured). The primary outcome was incidence of ectopic pregnancy. Secondary outcomes noted were demographic characteristics, predisposing risk factors, clinical presentation and management course in hospital. Data was recorded on a predesigned proforma and deciphered later.

Results Incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 0.82%. Significant causative factors were previous history of PID (29.28%), TB (21.4%), previous pelvic surgeries (18.57%) and preceding ectopic pregnancy (12.14%).

Conclusions Increase awareness and knowledge of risk factors amenable to modification and features will aid early diagnosis of extra-uterine pregnancy, besides planning conservative treatment if possible, and devising effective risk-reduction strategies.