ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Objective: To find out the causative factors for rising rate of ectopic pregnancy in young women at periphery. Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Maula Bakhsh Teaching Hospital ( Obstetrical and gynaecological unit) Sargodha , from January 2008 – December 2008. Patients and Methods: All patients who were presented in labour room emergency and gynaecological out patients department with confirmed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy on USG were included in the study. A pre-formed proforma was used to record the details about the demographic features, pre-existing risk factors for ectopic pregnancy, clinical features at presentation and management. Results: Frequency of ectopic pregnancy was too high in our study compared to international studies. Majority of patients were young and nullipara. Leading risk factor is pelvic inflammatory disease due to septic induced abortion. 92% of patients had acute presentation. Conclusions: Rising rate of ectopic pregnancy was found in young, nulliparous women secondary to pelvic inflammatory disease. The frequency can be reduced by awareness of reproductive health care, liberal contraceptive utilization, acceptable adequate planned family. Early diagnosis and timely referral may be helpful in treating the patients prior to tubal rupture with decreased morbidity and mortality.