Ectopic pregnancies: a retrospective cohort analysis in a tertiary reference center in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with ectopic pregnancy admitted to a tertiary center in the Northeast Region of Brazil and the aspects related to the treatment and outcomes in these women. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of 101 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy between February 2016 and February 2017. Setting: Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil Methods: The data collected included demographic characteristics, gynecological-obstetric history, symptoms at admission, complementary examinations [chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) blood test, transvaginal ultrasound, and hemoglobin level], and treatment given. Results: The mean patient age was 28 +/- 6.6 years (14-48 years). Abdominal pain (96%) and vaginal bleeding (82.4%) were the most prevalent symptoms. No risk factors were identified in most of the patients (53.5%), whereas the most frequently identified risk factor (16.9%) was a history of previous ectopic pregnancy. At admission, 63.4% of patients presented ruptured ectopic pregnancy and 5.9% had hemodynamic instability. Among the patients with ruptured ectopic pregnancy, 61% had already sought care at another center. With regard to the therapeutic options, 78.2% underwent surgery (27.2%, laparoscopy), 16.8% used methotrexate (MTX), and 5% underwent expectant management. Among those who received MTX, 41.2% needed subsequent surgery because of elevated blood beta-hCG level (57.1%) and clinical signs of ruptured ectopic pregnancy (42.9%). Conclusion: The patients were admitted at an advanced stage of ectopic pregnancy, which made a more conservative and less costly treatment difficult. However, the outcomes were clinically satisfactory, with low complication rates and no maternal deaths.