Ectopic pregnancies in Trinidad. A clinico-pathological study of 154 consecutive surgically treated cases

A prospective study was conducted during the period August 1, 1985 to July 31, 1986 from ten hospitals in Trinidad and Tobago to determine the incidence and aetiology of ectopic gestations. One hundred and fifty-four cases of ectopic gestations were diagnosed in 153 patients, during the period of study, with eight patients having a previous ectopic gestation. The incidence of ectopic gestation was 9.02 per 1,000 births. Ectopic pregnancies were more common in women of African descent (64.29%) as compared to East Indian women (27.27%) and were most often seen in the 21 to 35-year-old age group where they accounted for 72.07% of the total. There were 16.23% ectopic gestations in the 36 to 42-year-old age group. Fifty-six per cent of the ectopic gestations occurred in the right fallopian tube. Ninety-one per cent were ruptured and 80.13% had histological evidence of chronic salpingitis. The maternal mortality from ectopic gestations was 1.3%. One primary ovarian ectopic gestation (0.65%) and one twin ectopic pregnancy were seen during the period of study.