Ectopic pregnancy managed medically at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside the endometrial cavity, is an important cause of maternal mortality, especially in developing countries. It can be managed medically using methotrexate. In Ethiopia, limited evidence exists regarding the treatment outcome of this approach.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted based on medical records of ectopic pregnancies managed medically using methotrexate. The data of women who had unruptured ectopic pregnancy and who were managed medically in the study period at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College were included. Data were extracted from patients’ medical records and analysed using SPSS software.Results: During the 5-year period 2015 to 2019, 81 women with unruptured ectopic pregnancy were managed medically using methotrexate with 93.8% (n=76) success. Methotrexate was administered intramuscularly to all patients in either single dose or multiple doses. Five out of the 81 patients underwent surgical intervention for either ectopic rupture or persistent ectopic mass. There were no fatal complications.Conclusion: Methotrexate is a successful and safe alternative to surgical management of unruptured ectopic pregnancy in our settings. It should be given a trial in patients who meet the selection criteria in a setting ready for emergency surgical intervention and blood transfusions.