Ectopic Pregnancy in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Ikeja, Lagos .Nigeria

We set out to determine the socio-demographic factors,pattern of presentation and management of ectopic pregnancy in a University Teaching Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive analysis of all cases of ectopic pregnancy over a 2-year period was carried out. The case notes were retrieved from the Records Department and the following information extracted; age, parity, clinical presentation, findings at laparatomy, estimated blood loss and the need for blood transfusion. Statistical analysis was done using Epi-info 3.5 statistical software (2008 version). The incidence during the period of study was 38.85/1000 live births.The mean age at presentation was 29.5 _ + 5.7 year(SD) and 124 patients constituting 30.1% were nulliparous .Presentation was usually late with rupture and haemoperitoneum as demonstrated by the large percentage (99.2%). Ampullary part of the fallopian tube was most commonly affected accounting for 360(87.6%) of the cases. Salpingectomy was done in majority of cases - 376(91.3%), while 181 (44%) did not require blood transfusion. There were 3 maternal deaths during the study period..Ectopic presents a major public health challenge among women of reproductive age group in Nigeria. Efforts should be directed to public awareness on sex education , contraception , prevention and treatment of common risk factors for ectopic pregnancy and in cases of early rupture, auto-tansfusion should be encouraged. Key words : Ectopic pregnancy, Factors, Operation