Ectopic pregnancy at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Nigeria. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is on the increase worldwide.Objective: To determine the influence of age and parity on the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, findings at operation and pattern of treatment of ectopic pregnancy at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano,Nigeria.Methods: It was a descriptive retrospective study of 178 patients that were admitted with ectopic pregnancy at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital between January 2006 and December 2009.Results: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 11.7 per 1000 deliveries, 14.7% of all gynaecological operations and 74.8% of all gynaecological emergency operations. Modal age and parity were 25-29 years age group, and para 1. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy ( 75%), right tubal ectopic pregnancy (58%) and ampullary implantation (66.9%) were the most common presentations. Hemoperitoneum of greater than 1 litre occurred in 62.7% of the cases, but only 11.8% had autotransfusion of blood. There was a rising trend in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy during the study period.Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is the commonest gynaecological emergency at AKTH. Early girl marriage made ectopic pregnancy to be more associated with older parous women. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy was the commonest presentation, which calls for community campaign to encourage early presentation in the hospital. Autotransfusion where not contraindicated should be used more in the management of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Key words: Ectopic pregnancy, incidence, operative findings, pattern of treatmen