title: Prediction of ectopic pregnancy in early pregnancy of unknown location.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Women having pregnancies of unknown location (PUL) can be defined as those having positive pregnancy test when no pregnancy is visualized on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify diagnostic parameters which are predictive of ectopic pregnancies in women with early pregnancies of unknown location.
  
  
  METHODS
  We undertook a prospective observational study of pregnant women with suspected early pregnancy complications. Ninety-four patients were classified as having a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) by transvaginal ultrasound; blood sample was taken on presentation to measure the serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (,-HCG) and progesterone levels. All collected data were tested by univariate analysis and then analyzed in a stepwise procedure to form a logistic model for predicting ectopic pregnancy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 2675 women were referred for suspected early pregnancy complications. In 94 (4%) patients the location of the pregnancy was unknown. Three parameters were found to be statistically significant for predicting ectopic pregnancy:progesterone level, vaginal bleeding associated with pain and the presence of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. The overall model described by these variables offer a sensitivity of 79 %and a specificity of 59% in the prediction of ectopic pregnancy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Logistic regression model can help in the clinical decision-making in women with pregnancy of unknown location.
authors: Department "B" of gynaecology and obstetrics, Center of maternity and neonatology, "La Rabata", Tunis, Tunisia.
authors: Monia
authors: M
authors: Malek-mellouli
authors: Maina
authors: M
authors: Oumara
authors: Fethi
authors: F
authors: Ben Amara
authors: Ons
authors: O
authors: Zouch
authors: Khaled
authors: K
authors: Neji
authors: Hédi
authors: H
authors: Reziga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D055815:Young Adult