Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management

Study Notes

Ectopic pregnancy: highest risk factors include intrauterine device (IUD), surgery for previous ectopic pregnancy, salpingitis, and tubal ciliary damage.
IUD increases ectopic pregnancy risk due to modifications in the fallopian tube.
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, and nausea.
Diagnostic tests for ectopic pregnancy: Serum beta hCG test, transvaginal sonography, and serum progesterone measurement.
Serum beta hCG test is the most valuable diagnostic tool, revealing pregnancy presence and potential ectopic pregnancy.
Transvaginal sonography is important for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy by identifying an ectopic gestational sac or fetal heartbeat.
Serum progesterone measurement may suggest ectopic pregnancy with low levels, but it cannot definitively diagnose.
Diagnostic laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy, offering visual confirmation and therapeutic options.
Medical management of ectopic pregnancy includes methotrexate injections and expectant management for stable patients.
Methotrexate has a success rate of 80-90%, but it's essential to monitor beta hCG levels and folate levels.
Surgical management is indicated when medical management fails, the patient is hemodynamically unstable, or the ectopic pregnancy is ruptured.
Early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy are crucial to minimize complications, such as hemorrhage, infection, and organ damage.

Description

Learn about the highest risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic tests for ectopic pregnancy, as well as the medical and surgical management options. Understand the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to minimize complications.