ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: A 5-YEAR REVIEW IN THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO TEACHING HOSPITAL, UYO, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT  

Background:

Ectopic pregnancy is a clinical condition in which the fertilized ovum implants outside the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is a life threatening emergency that occurs in the first trimester of gestation with increased maternal mortality and morbidity. It complicates about 0.25% -2.0% of all pregnancies worldwide. Late presentation has been the norm in our environment and is associated with tubal rupture, life- threatening severe hemorrhage and radical surgery that affects the obstetric future of the patient.    

Objective:

To determine the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy

Materials and methods:

This was a retrospective study over 5 years, from 31st December 2019 to 1st January 2023 at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo. All the case notes of patients with ectopic pregnancy during the period of study were retrieved from the gynaecological ward and records unit. Information obtained from these served as the basis of the study.

Results:

During the study period, there were 5129 deliveries and 1060 gynecological admissions. 98 patients had ectopic pregnancy, accounting for 1.9% of all deliveries and 9.2% of all gynaecological admissions. The peak age group was 26-35 years, 52.4% were nulliparous and 47.6 % were married. All the patients had symptoms of which the commonest were abdominal pains (97.6%), amenorrhea (97.6%), and vaginal bleeding( 95.2 %). The commonest risk factors were a history of abortion (50.0%) and pelvic infection (14.3%). There were no identifiable risk factors in (21.9%) of the patients. All (%) but 2 of the patients had a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy and were managed by laparotomy/salpingectomy.

Conclusion:

Ectopic Pregnancy continues to be a major public concern in South-South Nigeria. Awareness must continue to be raised in our women about this life- threatening obstetric emergency through continued community advocacy involving the print and social media as well as radio talks and jingles.