Ectopic Pregnancy risk factors among the patients referred to Shariati hospital in Bandarabbas

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the most common cause of death related to pregnancy during the first trimester and its' incidence is increasing. Knowledge about the risk factors of EP can be helpful in diagnosis and also in prevention of EP, because some of these risk factors are preventable. The aim of this study is to assess the EP patients and the prevalence of EP risk factors among them in Bandarabbas.

Methods: Eighty two patients with EP referred to Shariati hospital in Bandarabbas in 2009 were included in our descriptive study. Study was conducted using a questionnaire about demographic characteristics, EP risk factors, and information about treatment and duration of hospital stay. Data was collected using interview with patients by educated personnel and patients' records during hospitalization. After data collection we analysed the data using SPSS 17.0 software using descriptive statistics (Mean, Standard Deviation, and frequency).

Results: Mean age of the participants was 27.46±5.98. Sixty four (78%) patients were households and 18(22%) were employees. Sixteen (19.5%) had low socioeconomic status, 62(75.6%) had intermediate socioeconomic status and 4 (4.9%) had high socioeconomic status.

Twenty one (25.6%) of patients were using withdrawal method for contraception at the time of conception. Condom, Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP), DMPA, and IUD was reported in 7 (8.5%), 13 (15.9%), 8 (9.8%), and 2 (2.4%) respectively. Other 31 (37.8%) patients weren’t using any method for contraception. Six (7.3%) patients had previous history of EP. Also 4 (4.9%) had history of previous EP in their near family members. One (1.2%) patient was undergone surgery for Tubal Ligation (TL).

Four (4.9%) patient were using tobacco. EP location was in fallopian tube in 62 (75.6%) and in other places in 20 (24.4%) of patients. Thirty four (41.5%) received drug therapy, 35 (42.7%) undergone surgery and 13 (15.9%) received both drug and surgery treatment. Mean duration of hospital stay was 5.73±3.96.

Conclusions: Despite the progress in diagnostic and therapeutic options for management of EP still there is a need for prevention of EP. All women should be aware of the risk factors of ectopic pregnancy.