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Profiling Gestational Trophoblastic Disease in a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) comprises a spectrum of interrelated tumours including complete and partial hydatidiform mole, placental site trophoblastic tumours and choriocarcinoma.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentation, management and treatment outcomes of gestational trophoblastic diseases in a tertiary health institution.
Methodology: This was a descriptive study of all cases of gestational trophoblastic diseases managed at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki over a five-year period.
Results: The incidence of GTD was 3.58 per 1000 deliveries. The age range was 19-55 years and the mean age was 33.4±7.4 years. The mean gravidity was 6 and women who are gravida 5 and above accounted
for 63.3% of those that presented with GTD. Gestational trophoblastic disease was commonly found in women with blood group O (60%) and 46.7% of cases of gestational trophoblastic disease occured in age
group 30-39 while 23.3% of gestational trophoblastic diseases occured in women 40 years and above. The commonest clinical presentation was recurrent vaginal bleeding 96.7%. Suction curettage (66.7%) was the commonest form of treatment offered to those with GTD in EBSUTH. Total Abdominal hysterectomy and chemotherapy was performed only in 10% of the patients. The commonest complication was haemorrhage (40%). Maternal death attributable to GTD was 10%. About 60% of the patients did not turn up for follow up.
Conclusion: Early presentation and proper treatment of this condition is emphasized. There is need for adequate follow-up of these patients.
Key Words: Molar Pregnancy, Trophoblastic, Mortality, Chemotherapy