Risk factors associated with the rupture of tubal ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors that may lead to the rupture of ectopic pregnancies.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with ectopic pregnancies at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital between 1/1/1995 and 3/1/2002. 738 patients were identified with ectopic pregnancies. Women with tubal rupture were compared to those without rupture. Variables analyzed were demographic data, patient-related risk factors (history of pelvic surgery, bilateral tubal ligation, history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancy, intrauterine device use) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (betahCG) measurement.


RESULTS
There were 439 (59%) cases with a ruptured and 299 (41%) cases with an unruptured ectopic pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that previous ectopic pregnancy (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.92, 4.33) and betahCG level >or=5,000 mIU/ml (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.12, 3.06) were the only significant risk factors for tubal rupture.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with betahCG levels >or=5,000 mIU/ml and patients with a history of a previous ectopic pregnancy are significantly more likely to experience a tubal rupture.
Latchaw
Gregory
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami, Miami, FL 33010, USA.
Takacs
Peter
P
Gaitan
Lucia
L
Geren
Sasha
S
Burzawa
Jennifer
J
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008499:Medical Records; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011274:Pregnancy, Tubal / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012421:Rupture / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology
D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human