A general approach to Ectopic Pregnancy: literature review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of Ectopic Pregnancy (EP). Bibliographic review: Ectopic pregnancy or extrauterine pregnancy is defined as the implantation and subsequent development of the zygote in a different location in the intrauterine cavity. The classic locations for implantation are cervical, interstitial, isthmic, ampullary, fimbrial and ovarian, and may also have an abdominal location. Globally, ectopic pregnancy accounts for nearly 2% of all pregnancies, 0.25-2% of all pregnancy-related complications, and 9% of all pregnancy-related deaths. For diagnosis, the patient's history is combined with serial quantitative levels of β-hCG, ultrasound, and sometimes uterine aspiration. Final considerations: PE is a medical emergency that represents 80% of maternal deaths that occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. Its clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to acute pelvic pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding and may present with shock. Surgical management is indicated for patients with a contraindication to medical treatment or failed medical treatment and for hemodynamically unstable patients, while clinical treatment is performed with Methotrexate. In this context, it is essential to recognize the characteristics of ectopic pregnancy in order to provide rapid diagnosis and adequate treatment, avoiding maternal-fetal mortality.