Analysis of ectopic pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital: one year study

Background: Ectopic gestation is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in first trimester and is a major cause of reduced child bearing potential. The aims of our study were to understand the clinical profile, risk factors, sites and management modalities of ectopic pregnancy at tertiary care hospital.Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out for one year at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of our institute. Data of the women admitted for management of ectopic pregnancy during January to December, 2010 was collected and analysed.Results: The proportion of ectopic pregnancy was 0.7 % at our institute. Majority of women 45(83.2%) were between the age group of 21-30 years. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) contributed to ectopic pregnancy in 16(29.6%) women. The most common symptom was lower abdominal pain, in 50(92.6%) women. Marked pallor was present in 25(46.3%) women and 38(70.4%) women had cervical motion tenderness. Out of all women, 10(18.5%), 18(33.3%) and 26(48.1%) women were managed successfully with methotrexate, laparoscopy and laparotomy respectively. The success rate was 83.3%, 90% and 100% with methotrexate, laparoscopy and laparotomy respectively. Blood and blood products were given to 25(46.3%) women. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is a growing problem of reproductive age group. Women should be encouraged regarding early reporting of missed periods and made aware of complications of ectopic pregnancy and necessity of seeking urgent medical help as early as possible so that early diagnosis and prompt conservative surgical or medical management of ectopic pregnancy can be done