Assessment of Risk Factors and Treatment Approaches for Ectopic Pregnancy.

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy holds critical importance because it leads to substantial maternal health complications along with increased risk of maternal death. Early detection alongside the right treatment controls the impact on outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and management strategies of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care setting.

Methods: This Cross-Sectional descriptive study was conducted during a period of two years at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Khawaja Muhammad Safder Medical College Sialkot. The research duration spanned from January 2023 until November 2024. In the study women between 18 and 44 years of age diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy through medical testing were enrolled. Data regarding demographic characteristics and clinical indicators along with risk factors and treatment methods was recorded from patients with confirmed ectopic pregnancy. Data analysis was carried out through SPSS version 26.0.

Results: A total of 96 cases of ectopic pregnancy were identified. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (85%), amenorrhea (78%), and vaginal bleeding (60%). The majority of cases were tubal ectopic pregnancies (95%). Significant risk factors included pelvic inflammatory disease (30%) and previous pregnancy loss (25%). Ultrasonography was the primary diagnostic tool, with 92% of cases confirmed via ultrasound. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 85% of cases, while methotrexate was used in 15% of the cases. The overall success rate for medical management with methotrexate was 80%. The majority of patients (92%) had favorable outcomes without further surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis using ultrasonography and beta-hCG monitoring, along with timely surgical medical intervention, results in favorable outcomes for most women with ectopic pregnancy. However, ongoing clinical vigilance and further research are needed to refine management strategies and improve maternal health outcomes.

Keywords: Ectopic Pregnancy, Tubal Pregnancy, Risk Factors, Ultrasonography, Methotrexate