A 10 Year Review of 255 cases of Ectopic Pregnancy

Implantation of a pregnancy outside the uterine cavity was first described in England by Gifford in 1731 [1]. Its incidence has increased from 0.5 per hundred pregnancies thirty years ago to the present day quoted incidence of 2 per hundred pregnancies [2,3]. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in Pakistan varies from 1:112 to 1:130 pregnancies. [4,5]. In African women the risk of ectopic pregnancy is 1.6 times greater than the risk amongst whites (13 per 1000) [6]. The reason for this increase is probably high incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease and the use of intra-Uterine contraceptive device [7]. Several risk factors for ectopic pregnancy have been identified including a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, smoking, previous ectopic pregnancy, pelvic surgery, ovulation induction and the use of intrauterine contraceptive device [8]. Ectopic pregnancy remains an important cause of maternal mortality worldwide. In the UK both the mortality rate at 4 per 10,000 pregnancies [9]. In order to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity due to ectopic pregnancy, there is a need for early diagnosis. With the advent of transvaginal scan and sensitive serum BHCG earlier diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be made. The aim of this study was to review the data of ectopic pregnancies during the last 10 years. Risk factors contributing to ectopic pregnancy, clinical features and diagnostic modalities were also evaluated.