Ectopic pregnancy revisited in Benin City, Nigeria: analysis of 152 cases.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic pregnancy is still a major health problem among women of childbearing age in our community. The majority of the patients with ectopic pregnancy are nulliparous in their mid twenties, with previous induced abortion(s) and or pelvic inflammatory disease. It remains a major challenge to the reproductive performance of women worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: The study is an analysis of the clinical profile of patients presenting with ectopic pregnancy, to investigate the current status of the incidence, predisposing risk factors and the management options available in Benin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty two cases of ectopic pregnancies managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) between January 1994 and December 1998 were analyzed. Clinical and socio-biological information were retrieved from patients' case notes, and supplemented by information from the operating theatre and ward registers.

RESULTS: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy during this study period was 1. 68% of total births and 6.74% of and gynecologic admissions. Nulliparous patients were 49.3%, while the peak age of incidence was 20-25 years. 95/152 (62.5%) of the patients had previous induced abortion(s), while pelvic adhesions were noted in 62/152 (40.85 approximately %). 67.8% of the patients were not using any method of contraception, while 13.8% and 9.2% were using lUD and barrier methods, respectively. Abdominal pain, 2 degrees amenorrhoea and irregular vaginal bleeding (83.6%, 77.5% and 73.7%, respectively) were the most frequent presenting complaints. 75/152 of the patients (49.3%) were in a state of shock, and 80.3% had ruptured tubal pregnancy at presentation. All patients had laparotomy, 54.6% and 34.9% had right and left salpingectomy, respectively. 831/52 of the patients (54.6%) had autotransfusion during surgery.

CONCLUSION: In Benin, the majority of the patients with ectopic pregnancy are nulliparous in their mid twenties, with history of previous induced abortion(s) and or pelvic inflammatory disease. Management option is limited to laparotomy and salpingectomy.