Ectopic pregnancy at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto: A ten year review
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Date
2012
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Association of Resident Doctor, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Abstract
Background: Ectopic pregnancy continues to be a life threatening gynaecological emergency.
Objective: To determine the incidence, pattern of presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy in
UDUTH Sokoto.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of cases of ectopic pregnancy managed in the
gynaecological unit of UDUTH from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2011.
Results: During the period, there was a total of 20,095 deliveries and 7,254 gynaecological admissions in the
centre. Two hundred and ninety eight (298) patients had ectopic pregnancy accounting for 1.5% of all deliveries
and 4.1% of all gynaecological admissions. Most of the affected patients were young nulliparous women.
Abdominal pain, amenorrhoea, vaginal bleeding and cervical excitation tenderness were the most common
clinical features amongst patients. The ampulla of the fallopian tube was the commonest site of implantation
(59.7%) and majority of the cases (70.1%) were already ruptured at the time of presentation. The main mode
of treatment was unilateral salpingectomy (76.3%) However, 3.8% of the patients benefited from medical
treatment using methotrexate. The case fatality rate was 1.4%.
Conclusion: The rate of ectopic pregnancy in the centre is relatively high. Majority of the patients presented
late with the ruptured variety. Improvement in health seeking behaviour among our populace coupled with
high index of suspicion and use of modern diagnostic techniques by the clinicians will assist in early diagnosis
and treatment prior to tubal rupture which will ultimately lead to reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality
associated with the condition.
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Keywords
ectopic pregnancy, late presentation, sokoto