PREVALENCE, CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECTOPIC GESTATION AT FEDERAL MEDICALCENTRE, ASABA A5-YEAR REVIEW

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of the fertilized ovum outside the normal endometrial cavity. It is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in early pregnancy. This study assesses the prevalence, clinical presentations, and management of ectopic pregnancy in Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

Methods: A retrospective study of 153 cases of ectopic pregnancies managed at Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 was conducted. Data was collected with the aid of a proforma designed for this study and was analyzed using the statistical package SPSS-20 IBM.

Results: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 2.27% or 22.7 per 1,000 deliveries. It was more common among young, married nulliparous women, with a mean age of 28.6 ± 4.9 years. About 81.8% of cases presented with ruptured ectopic pregnancies, while the remaining were unruptured and slow leaking (7.7% and 10.5% respectively). Tubal ectopic pregnancy was the commonest (88.8%), followed by corneal ectopic pregnancy (11.2%). Right tubal ectopic pregnancy (58%) was commoner than left tubal ectopic pregnancy (42%). Ampullary implantation was the most common site of tubal ectopic pregnancy (72.8%).

Total salpingectomy was done for all the cases. Among the ruptured ectopic pregnancies, 58.3% had haemoperitoneum of less than one liter and were not transfused. About 41.7% of cases had haemoperitoneum greater than one liter and were transfused. Autotransfusion of blood was done in 9.1%.

Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy still remains a major gynecological emergency associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Early presentation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are paramount to reduce this burden and enhance future reproductive planning.