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Ectopic pregnancy: presentation and risk factors
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit III, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. nusrat61@hotmail.com
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|September 27, 2005
Summary
Ectopic pregnancy commonly presents with abdominal pain, even without typical signs like amenorrhea. Suspect ectopic pregnancy in women of reproductive age with unexplained abdominal pain, regardless of past risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Gynecology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ectopic pregnancy is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the clinical manifestations and identify prevalent risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy.
- To enhance diagnostic accuracy by understanding key clinical features.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed.
- Data from 38 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy between January 2002 and December 2003 at Civil Hospital, Karachi, were analyzed.
- Patient charts were reviewed for symptoms, signs, risk factors, treatment, and maternal morbidity.
Main Results:
- Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (97.3%), followed by amenorrhea (73.6%) and vaginal bleeding (57.8%).
- Tenderness (abdominal and pelvic) was the most common sign (73.6% and 60.5%, respectively).
- Infertility (23.6%), tuberculosis (15.7%), and previous ectopic pregnancy (7.8%) were the most common risk factors identified.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal pain is a highly consistent indicator of ectopic pregnancy.
- The absence of traditional risk factors does not exclude ectopic pregnancy, necessitating a high index of suspicion in women of reproductive age presenting with unexplained abdominal pain.