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Questions and Answers
What is the most common location of an ectopic pregnancy?
What is the primary reason for maternal mortality in ectopic pregnancy?
What is the primary symptom of an ectopic pregnancy?
What is the primary diagnostic tool for ectopic pregnancy?
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What is the primary risk of an ectopic pregnancy?
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What is the primary treatment option for an ectopic pregnancy?
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What is the primary cause of infertility in women with a history of ectopic pregnancy?
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What is the recommended course of action for women with a history of ectopic pregnancy?
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What is the primary risk factor for ectopic pregnancy?
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Study Notes
Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: Ectopic Pregnancy
Definition
- An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube
- Also known as tubal pregnancy
Causes
- Previous pelvic surgery or infection
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility treatment
- Age > 35 years
- Smoking
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting (50-70% of cases)
- Abdominal pain (80-90% of cases)
- Pelvic pain
- Shoulder pain (due to bleeding into the abdominal cavity)
- Fainting or dizziness
- Weakness
Diagnosis
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) to visualize the uterus and tubes
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to confirm pregnancy
- Serum progesterone levels to assess pregnancy viability
- Laparoscopy or laparotomy to confirm diagnosis
Risks
- Rupture of the tube, leading to hemorrhage and shock
- Maternal mortality (up to 10% of cases)
- Future infertility (up to 50% of cases)
Treatment
- Methotrexate (medication) to stop pregnancy growth and allow for absorption
- Surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy) to remove the ectopic pregnancy
- Salpingectomy (removal of the affected tube) in some cases
Key Points
- Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention
- Delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious complications and mortality
- Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy are at increased risk of recurrence
Ectopic Pregnancy Definition and Facts
- Ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube, also known as tubal pregnancy
Causes and Risk Factors
- Previous pelvic surgery or infection increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past increases the risk of recurrence
- Infertility treatment, age > 35 years, smoking, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are also risk factors
Symptoms and Signs
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting occurs in 50-70% of cases
- Abdominal pain is present in 80-90% of cases
- Pelvic pain, shoulder pain, fainting, dizziness, and weakness are other common symptoms
Diagnosis and Testing
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) visualizes the uterus and tubes
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels confirm pregnancy
- Serum progesterone levels assess pregnancy viability
- Laparoscopy or laparotomy confirms diagnosis
Risks and Complications
- Rupture of the tube can lead to hemorrhage and shock
- Maternal mortality occurs in up to 10% of cases
- Future infertility affects up to 50% of cases
Treatment Options
- Methotrexate medication stops pregnancy growth and allows for absorption
- Surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy) removes the ectopic pregnancy
- Salpingectomy (removal of the affected tube) is necessary in some cases
Key Takeaways
- Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt medical attention
- Delay in diagnosis and treatment leads to serious complications and mortality
- Women with a history of ectopic pregnancy are at increased risk of recurrence
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Description
Learn about the definition, causes, and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.
