An audit of extra-uterine pregnancy in a tertiary care facility in Northern India

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is the most frequent lethal gynaecological predicament, befalling worldwide in all strata of reproductive women. It remains the leading cause of pregnancy-related first trimester deaths. Though prompt diagnosis has furthered a decline in associated morbidity, an upsurge has been seen in its prevalence owing to a rise in predisposing risk factors. The objectives of this study were to identify incidence, risk factors, and outcome in patients presenting with ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This two-year retrospective study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung hospital, on patients presenting with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (either ruptured or un-ruptured). The primary outcome was incidence of ectopic pregnancy. Secondary outcomes noted were demographic characteristics, predisposing risk factors, clinical presentation and management course in hospital. Data was recorded on a predesigned proforma and deciphered later.Results: Incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 0.82%. Significant causative factors were previous history of PID (29.28%), TB (21.4%), previous pelvic surgeries (18.57%) and preceding ectopic pregnancy (12.14%).Conclusions: Increase awareness and knowledge of risk factors amenable to modification and features will aid early diagnosis of extra-uterine pregnancy, besides planning conservative treatment if possible, and devising effective risk-reduction strategies.