Ectopic Pregnancy: Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation and Management

Ectopic pregnancy is increasing in incidence. Nevertheless, there is wide availability of tools for early diagnosis and advances in management. Though it is not a leading cause of maternal mortality, it significantly causes morbidity and jeopardizes reproductive outcome in women desirous of fertility.

To determine incidence, risk factors, symptoms, signs, type of ectopic pregnancy and management.

This is a one-year prospective, descriptive study conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai.

There were 119 ectopic pregnancies during the study period. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is 2.81/100 deliveries. Ectopic pregnancy was common in 26-30 years, the minimum age at diagnosis was 18 years and maximum age was 40 years. Fourteen women had previous one ectopic pregnancy. Four had previous two ectopic pregnancies. Previous cesarean and treatment for infertility were the commonest risk factors. The classic triad was present in only 27.7% of patients. Fourteen patients presented with shock. Five women were diagnosed even before they missed their periods. Success rate of medical treatment with methotrexate is 83.33%. Tubal pregnancy was the commonest type, and ampulla was the commonest site. Right side was affected more than left side. Thirty-three patients (27.7%) required blood transfusion. Seven developed morbidity. After 1-year follow-up of 68 women who were desirous of fertility, five women have become pregnant subsequently with intrauterine gestation.