CLINICAL STUDY OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY IN A RURAL SETUP: A TWO YEAR SURVEY

Abstract

Aims and Objective: To study the risk factors, symptomatology and sites of ectopic pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted over a 2 year period from August 2011 to August 2013 in De- partment of OBG at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B G Nagara, Karnataka. The parameters stu- died were age and parity distribution, symptoms at presentation, associated risk factors and site of ectopic pregnan- cy.

Results: There were 25 cases of ectopic pregnancy of the total 2542 deliveries accounting to 1%. Most patients were multiparous belonging to the age group of 20 – 30 years. The most common symptom was pain abdomen followed by bleeding per vagina and history of amenorrhea. 32 % of the patients came in shock. Risk factors were associated in 60% of cases, the most common being a history of tubal surgery. Ampullary part of the tube was the most fre- quent site accounting for 44% of cases. All the patients were managed by surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is a nightmare for the obstetrician. Early diagnosis and early referral are the key to successful management. It is better to over diagnose an ectopic pregnancy especially in a rural setup. The dictum should be to ‘THINK ECTOPIC’ in a woman in reproductive age group with pain abdomen or bleeding PV or when she comes in shock irrespective of tubal ligation.