Ectopic pregnancy

Authors
Citation
Rj. Carr et P. Evans, Ectopic pregnancy, PRIM CARE, 27(1), 2000, pp. 169
Citations number
62
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
PRIMARY CARE
ISSN journal
00954543 → ACNP
Volume
27
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Database
ISI
SICI code
0095-4543(200003)27:1<169:EP>2.0.ZU;2-F
Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy occurs in approximately 2% of all pregnancies in the Unit ed States, and is the nation's leading cause of first trimester maternal de ath. Its incidence has increased sixfold in the past 25 years, despite sign ificant improvements in techniques for early diagnosis and management. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, and common clinical presen tations of ectopic pregnancy. Both traditional and newly developed strategi es for diagnosis and management are described. The primary care physician i s in an excellent position to screen for and diagnose ectopic pregnancy, an d to counsel patients regarding treatment options and future risks. With th e increasing trend toward outpatient nonsurgical management of ectopics, it is expected that the roll of the primary care physician in managing patien ts with ectopic pregnancy will continue to increase.