Current challenges in the assessment and management of patients with bleeding in early pregnancy.
Bleeding in early pregnancy occurs in approximately 20% of clinically diagnosed pregnancies. History and physical examination are unable to reliably determine the anatomical location of the pregnancy (ectopic or intrauterine) or whether or not the fetus is alive. Ultrasound is the best tool for assessing these clinical questions and it is increasingly being used in the ED. This article looks at some of the common ultrasound findings and discusses the management options for failed and ectopic pregnancies.
Bryan
Sheila
S
Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sheila.bryan@rwh.org.au
D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy