Advanced extra-uterine pregnancy: Case series and review of 64 cases reported between 1990 – 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Advanced abdominal pregnancy is a variety of ectopic gestation in which early diagnosis is missed and the pregnancy is allowed to advance beyond 20 weeks. It is associated with increased maternal mortality and morbidity.

Study: Meta-analysis and a report of 2 cases.

Results: The average age of women was 29 years. The most common presentation was persistent abdominal pain, abnormal lie, anemia and palpable fetal parts. Only 31% of the patients had risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Sixty four percent of fetuses were born alive with a male to female ratio of 1:2.1. In majority of the cases the placenta was removed. In cases where the placenta was left in situ, the patients suffered more complications and had longer duration of hospital stay.

Conclusion: AAP is a rare but life-threatening conditions with possible catastrophic outcome. The basis of management lies in  preventing maternal mortality and morbidity.