Expensive pitfalls in ectopic pregnancy

Summary

Of 67 cases of ectopic pregnancy managed at a district hospital only 36 (54 per cent) received prompt diagnosis and treatment; delays occurred in 31 patients (46 per cent). In seven of the 31 cases, the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was not considered at the time of presentation. In patients with delayed diagnosis, morbidity and avoidable expense occurred. Atypical clinical presentation and equivocal results were factors which contributed to delays. Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy were overlooked in eight patients and a history of passage of tissue per vaginum was misinterpreted as indicative of an incomplete abortion. In six patients, a falling or low quantitative β-HCG was believed to indicate a complete abortion.