Gaganbihari S Yadav
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Abstract
Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition and a leading cause of maternal morbidity in the first trimester, requiring prompt diagnosis and effective management to prevent serious complications.
Aim and Objective: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary care centre over 14 months.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, from May 2014 to June 2015. A total of 85 women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy during the study period were included. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes. Diagnostic tools included transvaginal ultrasonography and serum beta-hCG levels. Management options included medical treatment with methotrexate and surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 1% among the 8,500 pregnancies recorded during the study period. Most patients (62%) were aged 25-35 years. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (91%) and vaginal bleeding (75%). Significant risk factors included pelvic inflammatory disease (40%), previous ectopic pregnancy (18%), and tubal surgery (16%). Transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 98%. Medical management with methotrexate was successful in 52% of cases, while surgical intervention was required in 48%. The overall treatment success rate was 92%, with no maternal mortality reported.
Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity, with key risk factors including pelvic inflammatory disease and previous ectopic pregnancy. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for successful outcomes. Further studies in diverse populations are necessary to validate these findings.
Keywords: Ectopic pregnancy, incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, management, methotrexate, laparoscopy, maternal morbidity.