A clinical analysis of ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad

Abstract

Background: Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP) presents a challenging problem and considered an emergency as it shows high mortality rates in developing countries and early detection and management is needed to prevent its related mortality and morbidity.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate all the cases of EP managed at a tertiary care center over a period of one year and four months, from May 2016 to September 2017 and to determine the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, management, and morbidity associated with EP.
Materials and Methods: We carried a retrospective study on 42 patients with ectopic pregnancies at ESIC Medical college, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana State from May 2016 to September 2017. The primary outcome measures studied were the incidence of EP, their risk factors, mortality, and morbidity in these women.
Results: The incidence of EP was 1.08. Majority of the women were aged 21–30 years. The most common risk factors were previous abortion (30.95 %) and pelvic surgery (33.33 %). The classic triad of amenorrhea, vaginal bleeding, and lower abdominal pain was present in 17 (40.47%) cases. A history of preceding amenorrhea was present in 37 (88.09%) women.
Conclusion: EP represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women of reproductive age. Timely diagnosis and management in early pregnancy units with the point of care ultrasonography can reduce the morbidity and mortality due to EP.