ABSTRACT

Objective:

To retrospectively evaluate risk factors, demographic features, findings, and treatment aspects in women hospitalized in our clinic with ectopic pregnancy.

Methods:

A total of 42 women who were diagnosed as having an ectopic pregnancy at Kafkas University Medicine Faculty Health Research and Practice Center between March 2013 and May 2014 were enrolled in this study. During investigation of the records, age, obstetric history, last menstrual period, complaint, physical signs, risk factors, contraception method, β-HCG levels, fetal cardiac activity, and diameter of the ectopic mass in the transvaginal ultrasonography and treatment methods were evaluated.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 30.6 (20±44) years; 11 patients applied with pain (26%), 5 (12%) applied with delay of menstrual bleeding, and 8 (19%) applied with vaginal bleeding. Mean β-HCG level was 3541 mIU/mL (200- 29611). Mean gestational age was 6 (6±1.8). With the transvaginal ultrasonography, ectopic foci were detected in 27 (64.2%) patients. The mean diameter of ectopic foci was 37 mm (15-54). In 4 (9.6%) patients, fetal cardiac activity was obtained. As we looked to treatment procedures, 33 (78.5%) patients had surgery, 4 (9.5%) were treated medically, and 5 (12%) patients were managed expectantly. Among 33 patients who had surgery, 26 (78.8%) patients had laparoscopic surgery, and 7 (21.2%) had a laparotomy. All patients were discharged with complete recovery. No complications were observed.

Conclusion:

Ectopic pregnancy is still an important issue because of the high mortality, morbidity, and influenced on fertility. The treatment of ectopic pregnancy should be individualized, and all treatment procedures and future reproductive performance must be argued with patients. (JAREM 2014; 4: 93-6)