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Time trends in ectopic pregnancies in a Norwegian county 1970-2004--a population-based study
1Department of Epidemiology, SINTEF Health Research, Trondheim, Norway. inger.bakken@sintef.no
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|August 26, 2006
Summary
Ectopic pregnancy incidence surged in Norway until 1990-1994, then significantly decreased. This trend highlights evolving risk factors and management strategies for ectopic pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Gynecology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Ectopic pregnancy poses significant health risks to women.
- Understanding temporal trends is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate temporal trends in ectopic pregnancy incidence within a defined Norwegian population.
- To analyze changes in ectopic pregnancy rates by age, birth cohort, and parity over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized hospital discharge registries and medical records from Sør-Trøndelag County, Norway (1970-2004).
- Calculated age-specific incidence, proportions of prior ectopic pregnancy and infertility treatment, and the extrauterine ratio.
- Analyzed trends by birth cohort, age, and parity.
Main Results:
- Age-adjusted ectopic pregnancy incidence rose from 4.3 to 16.0 per 10,000 women-years (1970-1994) before declining to 8.4 (2000-2004).
- Incidence peaked in women aged 25-34; highest rates observed in the 1960-1964 birth cohort.
- Proportions of women with prior ectopic pregnancy and infertility treatment decreased after 1990-1994. The extrauterine ratio increased with age and parity.
Conclusions:
- An epidemic increase in ectopic pregnancy incidence occurred, peaking around 1990-1994.
- A subsequent marked decrease in ectopic pregnancy rates was observed.
- Trends suggest changes in risk factors or improved early detection/management.