Extrauterine pregnancy in Mozambique

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Ectopic pregnancy remains a significant concern in women's reproductive health.
• Understanding associated risk factors and clinical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Pelvic schistosomiasis is a potential, though less commonly recognized, contributing factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze epidemiologic, clinical, and management data for ectopic pregnancies.
• To investigate the prevalence of ectopic pregnancy and associated conditions in Maputo, Mozambique.
• To identify key clinical findings such as tubal rupture and hemoperitoneum.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of 103 women undergoing surgery for ectopic pregnancy.
• Data collection from case histories at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Maputo.
• Review of patient records from April 1987 to March 1988.

Main Results:

• Observed a prevalence of 9.76% for ectopic pregnancies.
• Identified an association with pelvic schistosomiasis in 3.9% of cases.
• Found a high incidence (75.7%) of tubal rupture leading to hemoperitoneum.

Conclusions:

• Ectopic pregnancy rates may be declining in this region.
• Pelvic schistosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
• Tubal rupture and hemoperitoneum are frequent complications requiring prompt surgical intervention.