Title: Is Induced Abortion a Risk Factor for Ectopic Pregnancy?- A Case Control Study

Authors: Dr Aswathy Gopinath, Dr T. V. Saravanakumar

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i10.20

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is increasing worldwide. Similarly need for contraception is also on a rise. Even though most commonly adopted contraceptive practice is sterilization in India the incidence of induced abortion is also rising. This study was done to assess whether previous history of induced abortion is a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at conducted at Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital, Govt Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, South India- a major tertiary care hospital. A total of 250 patients including 125 cases of ectopic pregnancy diagnosed by USS and serial Bhcg assay and 125 controls of similar socio demographic profile who attended Gynaec OPD for various complaints as controls were included in this study. Data collected with structured questionnaire regarding risk factors and details of prior induced abortion. Statistical analysis done by SPSS software.

Results: Study established role of prior induced abortion as one of the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Even if it is a single abortion the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy is statistically significant (P value 0.002).

Keywords: Ectopic Pregnancy, Risk factor, Induced abortion.

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Corresponding Author

Dr T. V. Saravanakumar

Associate Professor, Dept of OBG, Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital, Govt. Medical College, Trivandrum