Ectopic pregnancy in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia Nigeria – A 5-year review

Abstract

Context: Ectopic pregnancy is a common life-threatening emergency and a notable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of ectopic gestation, the associated risk factors, the pattern of presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all cases of ectopic pregnancy managed at the gynaecological unit of the DASH Lafia, North-central Nigeria from 1st January, 2013 to 31st December, 2017. The data were analysed with simple descriptive statistics and were reported as frequencies and percentages. Results: During the 5-year period, there were a total of 93 ectopic pregnancies, 10,401 deliveries and 3399 gynaecological admissions in the hospital. The prevalence of ectopic pregnancy was 0.89% of all deliveries and 2.74% of all the gynaecological admissions. The majority of the patients were in the age group of 26–30 years, and significant number of the affected them were nulliparous, 30 (32.3%). Furthermore, majority of the patients had past history of sexually transmitted diseases 48 (51.6%), multiple sexual partners 40 (43.0%) and induced abortions. Abdominal pains, amenorrhoea and vaginal bleeding were the most common presenting complaints. Unilateral salpingectomy was done for majority of the patients. Conclusions: Ectopic pregnancy is an important gynaecological challenge associated with notable morbidity. Past history of sexually transmitted diseases, multiple sexual partners and induced abortions were the associated risk factors identified, and nulliparous women were mostly affected. This can limit their future reproductive accomplishments. Targeted health education campaigns should be embarked on to enlighten this group of women and the public at large.