Identifiable Risk Factors for Ectopic Gestation in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ectopic gestation is one of the common catastrophic gynaecological emergencies that if not identified early and prompt treatment offered can lead to grave consequences.  So identifying the common risk factors for this dreaded condition can lead to early diagnosis and prompt treatment. More so with this knowledge, health enlightenment can be offered to the at-risk group so that it can be prevented from occurring. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for ectopic gestation in FMC, Keffi, Nasarawa State. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study in which 37 cases of ectopic gestation were admitted during the study period from 1^st July 2018 to 31^st June 2019. Detailed information was obtained using questionnaires, patient’s records and theatre operation notes. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: There were 817 deliveries and 322 gynaecological admissions. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 4.3%. Ectopic pregnancy accounted for 11.5% of all gynaecological admissions. The commonest risk factor for ectopic pregnancy identified was history of sexually transmitted infection/ pelvic inflammatory disease which occurred in 94.6% of the patients. All the patients presented with lower abdominal pain (100%). Thirty-five of them had ruptured ectopic pregnancy and were all transfused. Thirty-six patients had surgery (salpingectomy, cornual resection, oophorectomy) and one patient had systemic methotrexate. One maternal death was recorded (case fatality rate of 2.7%). CONCLUSION; Ectopic pregnancy remains a major gynaecological emergency and a significant cause of morbidity and maternal mortality. Recognition of risk factors of this condition can assist clinicians in early diagnosis and also reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it.