Priorities and overarching goals in the diagnosis and emergency treatment of patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy – retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: Analysis of priorities in the emergency treatment of patients with ectopic pregnancy who are in a life-threatening condition. Observation of differences in the course of treatment depending on belonging to the age group. Material and methods: The study included 68 patients of the Gynaecological and Obstetric Specialist Hospital. E. Szczeklik in Tarnów, Małopolskie Voivode¬ship, who were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. The patients were divided into two groups according to age, counting 34 people in both cases.The study was retrospective and concerned patients hospitalized in the period 27.01.2016–01.08.2022. Results: The length of hospital stay due to ectopic pregnancy is not significantly longer in patients under 30 years of age compared to patients over 30 years of age. No significant relationship was observed between the patient’s age and the stage of pregnancy in which health collapse occurs and the need for medical intervention in connection with ectopic pregnancy occurs. Ectopic pregnancies are most often localized in the right fallopian tube. No significant differences between age groups were shown in laboratory tests of hCG, WBC, RGB, HGB, HCT, PLT levels. The most common treatment in both groups was surgical resection of the ruptured fallopian tube. No statistically significant differences were found between age groups and treatment. Conclusions: Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous clinical situation for pregnant women regardless of their age. The intensity of haemorrhage as a result of rupture at the site of implantation of the embryo, assessed on the basis of laboratory tests, is comparable in both patients before and after 30 years of age.