Relationship between ectopic pregnancy and its risck factors

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a prevalent problem and the most common cause of maternal mortality at the first trimester. Results from different studies are not consistent regarding the risk factors associated with EP. The current study aimed to investigate about risk factors associated with EP in Kermanshah-Iran.

Methods: A case–control study conducted to compare risk factors of EP among two groups of 250 women with EP and 500 women with normal delivery or cesarean section. Both groups were compared in regards to gynecologic, obstetric and demographic factors. Using Stata, we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) related to each factor within a univariate and multivariate model.

Results: Using an univariate model, age, gravid >2, pariety≥3, previous abortion and EP, history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and pelvic or abdominal surgery, infertility and its treatment as well as tubal ligation and use of intra uterine device were statistically associated with EP (p<0.05 for all variables). In multivariate analysis, age, history of tubal ligation, history of abdominal and pelvic surgery, cesarean section, infertility and ovulation induction were associated with EP.

Conclusion: The control of risk factors for EP can lead to decrease the burden of such condition. Future studies with larger sample size within an EP registry can effectively lead to collecting more precise data regarding factors such as smoking and PID.