Diagnosis and Management of Ectopic Pregnancy in King Abdulaziz University Hospital: A Four Year Experience

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe the presentation and different modalities of management of ectopic pregnancies admitted to the gynecology ward over the same period. It is a retrospective study conducted between 19th March 2005 and 19th March 2008 of patients diagnosed and managed as an ectopic case. During this period, out of the 3921 admissions 52 cases were ectopic. Information was obtained by revising the medical records, history, physical examination, laboratory tests; or notes, hospital course and discharge summaries. Data was stored using Excel spreadsheet. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics calculated using StatsDirect software. A total number of 52 patients ranging from 18 years to 46 years were included in the study. Majority of the patients had no risk factors at presentation. Diagnosis was made depending mainly on ultrasound findings. 37 patients underwent surgical intervention; on the other hand, 10 received medical treatment. Ectopic pregnancy remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality despite the modern day advances. In our study, a fifth of the cases presented with ruptured ectopic. This delineates the importance of stressing on early detection.