Abstract: Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that every obstetrician and gynecologist encounter during their clinical practice. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent mortality in women. The study aims to determine the clinical profile and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy.
Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted in 60 diagnosed cases of EP during a study period of one and half year. All diagnosed EP cases during the study period were included and all intrauterine pregnancies excluded. Clinical characteristics and medical management of patients obtained through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics used for data analysis.
Results: The incidence of EP in relation to intrauterine pregnancy in the present study is 4.6 in 100. Abdominal pain was the most significant symptom in 63.3% of patients. Risk factors (one or more) observed in 80% of the study population. Majority had history of infertility (30%), history of contraceptive use in 20%, history of abortion (25%), previous D&C in 15% and sterilization in 15%. 58.3% of the cases were ruptured. Ectopic pregnancy was medically managed in 17 cases (28.3%) and surgically managed in 43 cases (71.7%).
Conclusion: Every physician attending a woman in the reproductive age group presenting with abdominal pain should have a high index of clinical suspicion of EP unless proved otherwise irrespective of the presence or absence of amenorrhea or whether sterilized or not. An EPAU setup, similar to the one in UK, is the need of hour in Kerala as the diagnosis of EP can be picked up at an early stage and timely managed to reduce mortality in women.
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