Ectopic Pregnancy at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria: A Six-Year Review

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancies, though a disease of vagaries, its diagnosis remains essentially clinical; hence, a review of sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and clinical features will help determine the pattern of presentation. Objective: To highlight the characteristics that best predict ectopic pregnancy. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive analysis of 128 cases of ectopic pregnancy that were managed in a tertiary hospital from January 2009 to December 2014. Relevant information was extracted from patients’ case files, and the data obtained were analyzed. Results: Ectopic pregnancies constituted 4% of all gynecological admissions and 2.1% of all pregnancies occurring commonly in the age group 25–29 years. The commonest clinical presentations were lower abdominal pain (94.5%), amenorrhea (64%), and vaginal bleeding (53.9%). The majority (44.5%) of the women had a history of previous induced abortions. Sixty-nine patients had their diagnosis made clinically, and there was no maternal mortality. Conclusion: Lower abdominal pain in the presence of amenorrhea is a good predictor of ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms that might be helpful in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy are a previous history of induced abortion and vaginal bleeding. This, however, needs further research.