Risk factors, clinical presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy in a rural tertiary care centre-An observational study

Abstract

Context: Ectopic pregnancy is a challenging and life-threatening emergency, which can cause significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The present study aims at determining the risk factors, clinical features at presentation, diagnostic tools, management modalities and outcome of ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Settings and Design: This was an observational study of 90 cases of ectopic pregnancies admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care teaching hospital from February 2019 to August 2020. Relevant data of the 90 patients was tabulated and descriptive analysis was done. Statistical Analysis used: Chi square and Fischer exact test Results: Majority of the patients belonged to 21-30 yrs age group. Maximum number of cases (57%) had a history of previous abdomino pelvic surgery. The predominant symptom was amenorrhea (96.6%) and classical triad of amenorrhea, bleeding per vagina and abdominal pain was seen in 30% of the study population. Majority of the patients i.e 76.7% underwent surgical intervention. Conclusions: Most common age group at presentation is 21-30years. History of previous abdominal surgery being the most important risk factor whereas amenorrhea was the most common symptom. Surgical intervention was the main mode of management in ruptured ectopic pregnancy.