Obstetrics and gynecology international
The Epidemiology and Associated Factors of Ectopic Pregnancy in Saudi Arabia: A Literature Review
By Alkathiri M and Almousa A.
Abstract
Background
Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a serious maternal complication with a worldwide prevalence of about 2%. It is defined as the implantation of the product of conception outside the uterine cavity. Patients with EP may present with a wide range of clinical symptoms, including abdominal/pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, missed menstrual cycle, and an empty uterine cavity on ultrasound. After diagnosing EPs, medical and/or surgical treatment options are available based on the patient's hemodynamic status, ectopic location, fetal cardiac activity, size of the gestational sac, level of β-HCG, and patient profile.
Objective
This narrative literature review aims to summarize published primary studies on the epidemiology and reported associated factors of EP in Saudi Arabia between 2000 and 2024.