Reproductive performance following a second ectopic gestation.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine the obstetric outcome following a second ectopic gestation in women actively trying to conceive, with a review of the literature.


METHODS
Charts of 37 patients coded for having at least two ectopic pregnancies between 1986 and 1989 were reviewed. Duration of follow-up ranged from 7 months to 7 years with a mean follow-up time of 25 months.


RESULTS
We report a 45.4% intrauterine pregnancy rate, 27.3% live birth rate, and 36.4% recurrent ectopic pregnancy rate. Review of the literature shows an intrauterine pregnancy rate of 26-50%, live birth rate of 25-31.2%, and recurrent ectopic pregnancy rate of 7.7-40%.


CONCLUSIONS
Four of five studies report the risk of a third ectopic gestation is less than an intrauterine gestation. This may prove helpful in counseling patients with a history of recurrent ectopic gestation in choosing IVF or attempting conception naturally.
Glock
J L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405.
Loy
R A
RA
Brumsted
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic; D011274:Pregnancy, Tubal; D012008:Recurrence