Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Management Strategies of Ectopic Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study examines the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of ectopic pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 154 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy at Khamis Mushayet Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between 2020 and March 2025. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and pregnancy outcomes were collected from medical records. Results: The annual incidence of ectopic pregnancy ranged from 0.75 to 1.52 per 100 live births, peaking in 2022. Most cases (42.9%) occurred in women aged 31–40 years, with high proportions of overweight (27.9%) and obese (25.3%) patients. The majority (82.5%) were tubal pregnancies, while 9.7% were ovarian and 7.8% occurred at other sites. Common risk factors included spontaneous pregnancy (41.6%), prior abortion (47.4%), and cesarean section (13.6%). Vaginal bleeding (74.0%) and abdominal pain (66.9%) were the most frequentsymptoms. Diagnosis primarily relied on -hCG testing (92.2%) and transvaginal ultrasound (63.0%). Rupture occurred in 20.1% of cases, but only 0.6% presented with hemodynamic instability. Conclusion: This study highlights the demographic and clinical profile of ectopic pregnancy in a Saudi population, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and risk factor awareness. The findings support improved prenatal care and targeted health education to reduce complications. Further multicenter studies are recommended to validate these results nationally. Keywords: Ectopic pregnancy, Saudi Arabia, risk factors, clinical presentation, maternal health.