PROBLEM/BACKGROUND: Currently, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is a trend on the increase and it is
anongthe top five causes of maternal death. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose resulting in more risk and an
increased mortality rate.
OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence, clinical findings, diagnostic guideline, correlation factors and treatment of
ectopic pregnancy in Somdejphrachaotaksinmaharaj Hospital
RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study
SETTING: Somdejphrachaotaksinmaharaj Hospital
MATERIALS and METHOD: Data from in-patient medical records of all ectopic pregnancy patients between
October, 2003 and September, 2006 were reviewed. The obtained data was analyzed and presented by frequency
and percentage.
RESULTS: This study showed 54 cases of ectopic pregnancy from 5,527 deliveries. The incidence of ectopic
pregnancy was 1: 102 deliveries. In 31 of 54 patients (57.4%), the diagnosis of rupture ectopic pregnancy was
established at the operation. The majority of patients were 25-34 years old (57.4%). The most common symptom
was lower abdominal pain (96.3%). Most ectopic pregnancy occurred at fallopian tube (53 cases: 98.1%). The
most common site was ampullar part (72.2%). The correlation factors found with ectopic pregnancy were history
of abortion (27.8%) and history of pelvic inflammatory disease (22.2%). The most common operative procedures
were salpingectomy or salpingooophorectomy (53 cases). Only 1 case was salpingostomy performed. There was
no maternal mortality or major complication.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with history of abortion or pelvic inflammatory disease has about a 25% risk of ectopic
pregnancy. Physicians should beware of ectopic pregnancy in any woman presenting with low abdominal pain,
even without missing period.