Assessment of risk factors for ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Background:

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) stands as a significant health concern for women in their childbearing years. This study seeks to identify potential risk factors associated with EP and assess their contribution to the occurrence of this condition.

Materials and Methods:

In this recent retrospective case–control exploration spanning from 2010 to 2015, our focus was on a cohort of 95 women identified with EP in the case group, juxtaposed against 400 women in the control group who experienced childbirth. Comprehensive data collection encompassed surgical, gynaecological, obstetric, sexual, contraceptive, and infectious histories, along with demographic particulars, smoking behaviours, fertility indicators, and reproductive outcomes after EP. Logistic regression dissected the correlation between EP and the various factors scrutinized.

Result

Our latest investigation, based on data collected from 2010 to 2015, discloses compelling associations between various factors and an elevated risk of EP. Noteworthy findings include maternal age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, confidence interval [CI] [1.04–1.14], p < 0.0001), spouse's cigarette smoking (OR = 1.68, CI [1.02–2.77], p = 0.02), gravidity (OR = 1.48, CI [1.23–1.78], p < 0.0001), prior spontaneous abortions (OR = 1.89, CI [1.09–3.28], p = 0.01), history of EP (OR = 16.42, CI [1.81–149.14], p = 0.01), tubal blockage (OR = 10.12, CI [1.89–54.23], p = 0.01), use of intrauterine device (IUD) (OR = 4.25, CI [1.73–10.44], p = 0.001), tubal damage (OR = 2.632, CI [1.23–5.65], p = 0.01), first pregnancy interval (OR = 1.01, CI [1.00–1.02], p < 0.0001), and history of infertility (OR = 5.87, CI [2.58–13.38], p < 0.0001). The meticulous logistic regression analysis underscores the significance of these factors in influencing the incidence of EP.

Conclusion:

The delineation of modifiable risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, the utilization of intrauterine devices (IUDs), and the interval between first pregnancies, paves the way for the formulation of effective strategies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with ectopic pregnancy.