Retrospective evaluation of patients treated for ectopic pregnancy: Experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Objective In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of ectopic pregnancies; therefore, it is important for tertiary centers to report their approaches and outcomes to expand and improve treatment modalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the general characteristics, treatment and outcomes of cases diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. Methods In total, 432 patients treated for ectopic pregnancy between February 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Results Overall, 370 patients had tubal pregnancy, 32 had cesarean scar pregnancy, 18 had pregnancy of unknown location, 6 had cervical pregnancy, and 6 had interstitial pregnancy. The most important risk factors were advanced age (> 35 years; prevalence: 31.2%) and smoking (prevalence: 27.1%). Thirty patients who did not have any symptoms of rupture and whose human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels were ≤ 200 mIU/ml were followed-up with expectant management, while 316 patients whose β-hCG levels were between 1,500 mIU/ml and 5,000 mIU/ml did not have an intrauterine gestational sac on the transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, did not demonstrate findings of rupture, and were treated with a systemic multi-dose methotrexate treatment protocol. In total, 24 patients who did not respond to the medical treatment, 20 patients whose β-hCG levels were > 5,000 mIU/ml, 16 patients who had shown symptoms of rupture at the initial presentation, and 6 patients diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy underwent surgery. Patients with cervical and scar pregnancies underwent ultrasound-guided curettage, and no additional treatment was needed. Conclusion The fertility status of the patients, the clinical and laboratory findings, and the levels of β-hCG are the factors that must be considered in planning the appropriate treatment.

Pregnancy in Non-Communicating Unicornuate Uterus: Diagnosis Difficulty and Outcomes - a Case Report / Gestação em útero unicorno não comunicante: dificuldade diagnóstica e desfechos - relato de caso

Abstract Approximately 1 in every 76,000 pregnancies develops within a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn.Müllerian uterus anomalies are often asymptomatic, thus, the diagnosis is a challenge, and it is usually made during the gestation or due to its complications, such as uterine rupture, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum, postpartum bleeding and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In order to avoid unnecessary cesarean sections and the risks they involve, the physicians should consider the several approaches and for how long it is feasible to perform labor induction in suspected cases of pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn, despite the rarity of the anomaly. This report describes a case of a unicornuate uterus in which a pregnancy developed in the non-communicating rudimentary horn and the consequences of the delayed diagnosis.

Resumo Aproximadamente 1 em cada 76 mil gestações se desenvolvememútero unicorno sem comunicação com o colo uterino. Anomalias müllerianas uterinas são, na maioria das vezes, assintomáticas, tornando difícil o diagnóstico, que geralmente é esclarecido durante a gestação ou por conta das complicações gestacionais, como ruptura uterina, hipertensão gestacional, parto pré-termo, hemorragias pós-parto e crescimento intrauterino restrito (CIUR). Com o intuito de evitar cesáreas desnecessárias e os riscos que esse procedimento envolve, considerações devem ser feitas quanto aos diferentes métodos utilizados, e por quanto tempo é viável induzir o parto na possibilidade de útero não comunicante, mesmo sendo uma anomalia rara. Este relato descreve um caso de uma gestação que se desenvolveu em um útero unicorno não comunicante com o colo uterino e as consequências do diagnóstico tardio.

Cerclaje, tratamiento quirúrgico conservador en embarazo ectópico cervical, tres casos. Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social, Hospital Materno Infantil 1 de Mayo / Cerclage, conservative surgical treatment in cervical ectopic pregnancy, three cases. Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social, Hospital Materno Infantil 1 de Mayo

Menos del 1% de los embarazos ectópicos se implantan en el canal cervical por abajo del orificio cervical interno, la etiología de esta implantación es desconocida aunque se asocia a curetaje previo, síndrome de Asherman, leiomiomas, presencia de DIU entre otras. Timor-Tritsch define el diagnóstico ecográfico como el saco coriónico implantado debajo de OCI, canal cervical dilatado, embrión con latido cardiaco o presencia de infiltración cervical confirmada por Doppler. No existe un consenso en relación al tratamiento de esta condición, se ha tratado con Metrotexate sistémico o intracervical, embolización arterial selectiva, aspiración guiada por ecografía, aunque la histerectomía fue el tratamiento en los casos de sangrado incontrolable...

Profil épidémiologique et prise en charge de la grossesse extra-utérine à l'hôpital de l'Amitié Sino-Congolaise de N'djili, Kinshasa - RDC

Introduction: La grossesse extra utérine (GEU) est une affection redoutable du fait de son caractère morbide et d'une mortalité élevée. Elle est considérée comme un problème de santé publique dans tous les pays du monde, quel qu'en soit le niveau de développement, en raison de sa fréquence et ses répercussions sur la fertilité des patientes. Déterminer la fréquence hospitalière et l'issue de la grossesse extra ­utérine (GEU) à l'hôpital de l'Amitié Sino ­Congolaise de N'djili (HASC) sont l'objectif de la présente étude. Matériel et Méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive conduite du 1er janvier 2008 au 31 décembre2012. Ont été incluses dans cette étude, toutes les patientes admises pour GEU confirmée par le test de grossesse et l'échographie ou constatée en per opératoire Résultats: La fréquence de la GEU était de 1,56%. L'âge moyen des patientes était de 26,3 ± 4,1 ans. Etaient plus représentées les patientes paucipares. Les antécédents suivants ont été retrouvés: infection sexuellement transmissible, avortement provoqué, GEU antérieure, port de dispositif intra-utérin et chirurgie antérieure. Les GEU ont été le plus souvent de localisation ampullaire ou isthmique et rompues. La chirurgie radicale a été pratiquée dans 78,9% des cas.66,6% des patientes ont bénéficié d'une transfusion.Conclusion: La GEU reste une pathologie assez fréquente. La présente étude a montré que le diagnostic tardif au stade de complication offre peu de choix thérapeutique avec des mutilations lourdes, diminuant ainsi les chances de fécondités ultérieurs des patientes

Gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea: uma complicação emergente / Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: an emerging complication

Entre as complicações de longo prazo da operação cesariana, destacam-se o acretismo placentário (placenta acreta, increta e percreta) e, mais recentemente, a implantação embrionária na cicatriz uterina de cesárea prévia. A denominada gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea persiste como um evento pouco divulgado em função da sua raridade; porém, apresenta incidência crescente devido principalmente ao aumento global das taxas de cesariana. Os atrasos no diagnóstico e no tratamento podem resultar em ruptura uterina, hemorragia grave, necessidade de histerectomia e elevada mortalidade materna. Dessa forma, os objetivos principais na condução dos casos de gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea devem incluir o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico precoce e acurado e a prevenção de hemorragias graves, além da preservação da fertilidade. Entretanto, devido à sua raridade, ainda não há consenso acerca da melhor forma de tratamento dessa complicação.(AU)

Among the long-term complications of cesarean section stand out the pathologically adherent placenta (accreta, increta and percreta) and, more recently, the embryonic implantation in the uterine scar from previous cesarean. The so-called cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy remains a little known event due to its rarity. But it shows increasing incidence due mainly to the overall increase in cesarean rates. The delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in uterine rupture, severe hemorrhage, need for hysterectomy and high maternal mortality. Thus, the main objectives in the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy should include early and accurate ultrasound diagnosis and prevention of severe blood loss, and the preservation of fertility. However, due to its rarity, there is no consensus about the best treatment for this complication.(AU)

Infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis e anticorpos contra proteína de choque térmico 60 (HPS60) associados a fator de infertilidade tubária / Chlamydia trachomatis and antibodies against heat shock protein 60 (HPS60) associated with tubal factor infertility

Chlamydia trachomatis é uma bactéria transmitida sexualmente e uma frequente causa de doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP) que, com sua evolução, pode levar à gravidez ectópica ou a fator de infertilidade túbaria (TFI). Hipóteses sugerem que reações imunes à proteína de choque térmico 60 (HPS60) de Chlamydia trachomatis induz à DIP e à consequente infertilidade. A revisão sistemática foi conduzida utilizando artigos científicos das bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed e Scopus, com estudos que associavam o aumento do TFI à presença de anticorpos contra HPS60 em mulheres portadoras da bactéria. Foram incluídos 12 estudos. As evidências de 11 estudos caso-controle sugerem a confirmação da associação do TFI com maior produção de anticorpos contra HPS60 de Chlamydia trachomatis. Inversamente ao resultado, foi encontrado um estudo do tipo ensaio clínico controlado randomizado em que os anticorpos contra HPS60 da Chlamydia não foram significamente associados a sequelas por doença inflamatória pélvica. Nossos achados confirmam uma associação entre TFI e anticorpos para HSP60 da Chlamydia trachomatis, mas enfatizamos a necessidade de mais estudos com ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted bacteria and a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); its evolution can lead to ectopic pregnancy or tubal infertility factor (TFI). Hypotheses suggest that immune reactions to heat shock protein 60 (HPS60) of Chlamydia trachomatis induces DIP and, thus, infertility. A systematic review was conducted of scientific articles using MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus, with studies that linked the increase in the TFI HPS60 presence of antibodies in women with the bacterium. We included 12 studies. Evidence from 11 case-control studies suggest confirmation of the TFI association with increased production of antibodies against HPS60 Chlamydia trachomatis. In contrast to the result, we found a type study randomized controlled trial in which the antibodies of Chlamydia HPS60 were not significantly associated with sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease. Our findings confirm an association between TFI and antibodies to HSP60 of Chlamydia trachomatis, but emphasize the need for more studies with randomized controlled trial.

Prenhez ectópica em fertilização assistida clássica e injeção espermática intracitoplasmática / Ectopic pregnancy in assisted fertilization classical and intracytoplasmatic sperm injection

A incidência de gestação ectópica varia de 0,3 a 1,4% das gestações espontâneas, e a ocorrência de uma gestação heterotópica é de 1:30.000. A taxa de gestação ectópica é maior naquelas com fertilização in vitro. Na fertilização in vitro, a porcentagem varia de 2,2 a 8,6%. Porém, em grupo com comprometimento tubário, esse índice pode ser maior, chegando a 11%. Gestações heterotópicas ocorrem em uma proporção de, respectivamente, 1:500 gestações com técnicas de reprodução in vitro. Podem ser destacados alguns fatores de risco, tais como comprometimento tubário, técnica inadequada e número de embriões transferidos, outros fatores não estão completamente esclarecidos do ponto de vista consensual

The incidence in ectopic pregnancy varies from 0.3 to 1.4% of all spontaneous pregnancies, and the incidence of heterotopic pregnancy is 1:30,000. The rate of ectopic pregnancy is higher in pregnancies with in vitro fertilization. Its rates range from 2.2 to 8.6%. However, in the group with tubal involvement, it is as high as 11%. Heterotopic pregnancy occurs in the incidence of 1:500 pregnancies with in vitro reproduction techniques. Some risk factors can be highlighted, such as tubal involvement, inadequate technique, number of embryos transferred, but other factors are not completely understood in terms of consensual

Cervical ectopic pregnancy - a review

Cervical ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of a pregnancy in the endocervical canal and is a rare entity. Cervical pregnancy is the least common variant of ectopic pregnancy with a reported incidence of < 1% and 1;18000 live births. Diagnosis and management of cervical ectopic pregnancy is a challenging obstetrical entity both for the obstetrician and the radiologist. Diagnostic dilemma still exist because of close resemblance of clinical presentation between cervical ectopic pregnancy and incomplete abortion. Unexpected diagnosis of cervical ectopic pregnancy following dilatation and curettage for a presumed incomplete abortion was not uncommon. Uncontrolled hemorrhage warranted emergency hysterectomy in majority of cases. Advances in sonological techniques have made the diagnosis easy. Dramatic change has been witnessed over the past two decades in this regard. Fertility sparing treatment options are the ray of hope especially for nulliparous women with cervical ectopic pregnancy. Here is a case report of 24 year old nulliparous presented to emergency room with lower abdominal cramping, burning micturition, bleeding per vagina and vomiting of two days' duration. Her last menstrual period was six weeks back. Pelvic examination revealed eight weeks pregnancy with enlarged cervix and bloody mucous discharge from the cervix with unremarkable adnexa. She was found to be positive for pregnancy test. Clinical and biochemical marker [b HCG] suggested ectopic pregnancy with a possibility of cervical ectopic pregnancy following ultrasound examination. As the patient was keen on immediate symptomatic cure she was managed surgically followed by a good postoperative recovery. Misdiagnosis and mismanagement of cervical ectopic pregnancy carry high maternal mortality and morbidity. Literature was reviewed in view of the enigma surrounding the diagnosis and management of cervical ectopic pregnancy. The review revealed the need of appropriate diagnosis and that fertility sparing treatment options [medical methods] are gaining momentum and are found to be effective. High index of clinical suspicion by the obstetrician, aided with high resolution transvaginal scan, should help in making an early appropriate diagnosis. Timely correct diagnosis and intervention with right therapeutic option should prevent high maternal morbidity and mortality associated with cervical ectopic pregnancy

Gravidez ectópica na cicatriz uterina de cesárea: relato de caso / Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: a case report

Gravidez ectópica na cicatriz de cesárea é a forma mais rara de gravidez ectópica e provavelmente uma das mais perigosas em função dos riscos de ruptura e hemorragia volumosa. Essa situação deve ser diferenciada da gravidez cervical e de abortamento em curso, para que o tratamento apropriado seja imediatamente oferecido. Desde o advento da ultra-sonografia transvaginal, a gravidez ectópica na cicatriz de cesárea pode ser diagnosticada precocemente na gestação e, para isso o ultra-sonografista deve estar familiarizado com e atento aos critérios diagnósticos, especialmente em mulheres com cicatriz de cesárea prévia. Descrevemos aqui um caso de gravidez ectópica em cicatriz de cesárea, cujo diagnóstico foi tardio, havendo apresentação de involução espontânea.

Ectopic pregnancy in a cesarean scar is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy and probably the most dangerous one because of the risk of uterine rupture and massive hemorrhage. This condition must be distinguished from cervical pregnancy and spontaneous abortion in progress, so that the appropriate treatment can be immediately offered. Since the advent of endovaginal ultrasonography, ectopic pregnancy in a cesarean scar can be diagnosed early in pregnancy if the sonographer is familiarized with the diagnostic criteria of this situation, especially in women with previous cesarean scar. Here we describe a case of ectopic pregnancy in a cesarean scar in which the diagnosis was considerably late, with presentation of spontaneous regression.

study of ectopic pregnancy: Incidence, risk factors, and diagnosis in Al-Wahda Teaching Hospital-Aden

This study was conducted with an overall aim of describing the pattern of ectopic pregnancy at Al-Wahda Teaching Hospital. For the period from January 1[st], 2004 to December 31[st], 2005, 52 patients with ectopic pregnancy were studied. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy at ATH was 5.4 per 1000 live births The common age affected is the age group 20-39 years [90.4%]. Parous women [92.3%] were affected more than nulliparous [7.7%]. Gynecological and obstetric history were negative in 26.9% and 51.9% respectively. Among the marked risk factors, in this study, were previous abortion [40.3%], pelvic inflammatory disease [25.0%], previous dilation and curettage [21.2%] and infertility [13.4%]. On presentation, the dominant feature was lower abdominal pain seen in all patients, followed by vaginal bleeding [73.1%], missed period [65.4%] and abdominal tenderness in [78.8%]. The diagnostic methods used include urine pregnancy test, which was positive in 97.0%, serum beta-hCG, which was<2000 mIU/mI in 61.5%, and abdominal ultrasound was dominantly used [90.9%] in this study than transvaginal ultrasound [9.1%]. Douglas puncture was positive in 8 1.8%. Surgical treatment was the only mode of management used in this hospital. Preoperative hemoglobin concentration of<11 g% was seen in 96.1% and blood transfused to 92.3% of patients. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10,0 +/- 6.4 days. No maternal complications and no maternal death were attributed to ectopic pregnancy during the period of this study. This study concludes that ectopic pregnancy, the suspect of doctors, could be present in any woman in the reproductive age presented with vague abdominal pain, regardless the presence of missed period or vaginal bleeding and even the absence of risk factors is the main step to diagnose the ectopic pregnancy

Contracepción de emergencia con Levonorgestrel / Emergency contraception with levonorgestrel

La contracepción de emergencia puede evitar el embarazo luego de un coito sin medidas contraceptivas o cuando éstas fallan. Se recomienda el levonorgestrel, un gestágeno sintético, en dosis única de 1.5 mg (alternativamente en dos dosis de 0.75 mg espaciadas 12 h). Su eficacia es moderada, pues impide aproximadamente 80% de los embarazos. La eficacia es mayor cuanto más precozmente se administre, pero puede darse hasta 5 días post-coito. La tolerancia es similar o superior a la de otros preparados empleados con igual propósito. Los efectos adversos comprenden náuseas, vómitos, cefalea, tensión mamaria y alteraciones transitorias en la siguiente menstruación. Se desconoce si el levonorgestrel aumenta la probabilidad de embarazo ectópico cuando el tratamiento fracasa. No se recomienda su empleo como contraceptivo habitual. Cuando se administra antes del pico preovulatorio de LH, el levonorgestrel generalmente bloquea o retrasa la ovulación. Puede asimismo afectar la migración de los espermatozoides en el tracto genital femenino e, indirectamente, la fertilización. Pese a haberse postulado reiteradamente, no existe evidencia de un efecto antiimplantatorio. El conocimiento del método es muy variable en diferentes sociedades, pero aun donde es bien conocido permanece subutilizado. Se ha propuesto proveer levonorgestrel por adelantado para promover su uso. En ensayos clínicos, tal provisión no afectó adversamente el comportamiento sexual ni el empleo de otros contraceptivos, pero tampoco redujo el número de embarazos o abortos. En consecuencia, el empleo de levonorgestrel debe considerarse un método de respaldo que no reemplaza el uso de contraceptivos más eficaces.

Emergency contraception may avoid pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or when regular contraceptive measures fail. Levonorgestrel, a synthetic gestagen, is recommended for emergency contraception as a single 1.5-mg dose or, alternatively, two 0.75-mg doses taken 12 h apart. Its efficacy is moderate, preventing about 80% of pregnancies. Efficacy is higher the earlier after unprotected intercourse the drug is taken, but it may be administered up to 5 days post-coitum. Tolerance is similar to, or better than, those of other oral emergency contraceptives. Adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness and transient alteration of menstrual bleeding pattern. It is not known whether levonogestrel increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy when the treatment fails. Its use as an ongoing contraceptive method is discouraged. When given before the preovulatory LH peak, levonorgestrel blocks or delays ovulation. It may also affect sperm migration in the female reproductive tract and have an effect on fertilization. Although it has been often postulated, there is no evidence for an anti-implantatory effect. Acquaintance with the method is quite variable among different societies, but it remains underutilized even where it is well known. Advance provision of the drug has been proposed as a way to promote its use. In clinical trials, advance provision did not adversely modify sexual or regular contraceptive behavior, but it did not reduce pregnancy or abortion rate either. Therefore, emergency contraception with levonorgestrel should be regarded as a backup method which is not a substitute for the continued use of more effective contraceptive methods.

Embarazo ectópico ístmico-cervical en cicatriz de cesárea previa / Ectopic pregnancy within the scar of a previous cesarean of isthmic-cervical location

El embarazo localizado dentro de una cicatriz de cesárea previa es el menos frecuente de los embarazos ectópicos y no existe un tratamiento estándar. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente con embarazo ectópico ístmico-cervical sobre una cicatriz de cesárea. Se hospitaliza por el riesgo de ruptura uterina, evolucionó con invasión trofoblástica de la histerorrafia culminando en muerte embrionaria. No hubo complicaciones maternas. Se trató con metotrexato para evitar la progresión de la invasión trofoblástica, con buen resultado materno.

comparison study in the management of ectopic pregnancy between state of Qatar and Kingdom of Bahrain

Ectopic pregnancy is of increasing concern to gynecologists since it is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in reproductive age women. It occurs when the conceptus implants in an abnormal position other than the uterus. Although the incidence of ectopic pregnancy during the 20 years studied increased five-folds, the risk of death from ectopic pregnancy declined by 90%. This decline might be related to the increase awareness of this condition that accompanied improved diagnostic technology and thus improved management and care. However, ectopic pregnancy remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in first trimenster. This study was to evaluate the management of ectopic pregnancy in the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain in a time period from January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2003. Statistical analysis showed high incidence of ectopic pregnancy with increase in age and abortion. Etiological factors including contraceptive usage, infertility treatment and previous ectopic pregnancy were shown to increases ectopic pregnancy rates. In the Kingdom of Bahrain, management of ectopic pregnancy was carried by surgical salpingectomy and Laparoctomy and to a lesser extend medical Methotrexate management was also carried on. While in the State of Qatar it was the opposite as Methotrexate was mainly used rather than the surgical treatment. It is recommended that further investigations are needed to enhance this data and to prove the benefits of medical management over the surgical management

Sonographic evaluation of ectopic Pregnancies

This study was carried out in the Radiology Department, District Head Quarter Teaching Hospital [D. H. Qr] and Dera X-Rays / Ultrasound Clinic, Dera Ismail Khan, NWFP, by performing abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography of all the suspected patients and endo-vaginal of selected cases by comparing with other modalities used for the diagnosis of pregnancy especially the ectopic. Eighty-five percent cases of ectopic pregnancies were diagnosed by abdominal / pelvic ultrasonography, while this ratio was increased up to 95% by endo-vaginal ultrasonography in those cases where the abdominal sonography was not helpful for accurate diagnosis. The study concluded that increased availability of ultrasonography leads to improve quality in the detection of ectopic pregnancy. It is necessary to screen all the patients with first trimester cramping and bleeding by ultrasonography

Infección por Chlamydia trachomatis en varones y su asociación con las alteraciones ginecológicas de su compañera sexual / Chlamydia trachomatis infection in men and its association to gynecologic alterations of his sexual mate

Objective.To determinate the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in male partners of infertile couples who attend to the infertility clinic at Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, as well as to compare the clinical data and lifestyle between C. trachomatis-inifected and uninfected men to establish a possible association with gynecological damage in their sexual female partners. Methods. An open prospective study was performed in infertile couples, whose follow up was carried out at Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia between June 2000 and April 2001. Urethral and cervical swabs were obtained from each couple and the specimens were subjected to a C. trachomatis-specific liquid-phase hibridization test (PACE-2) and routine microbiological analysis. Semen analysis were also included. A relative risk (RR) test was done to analyze variables and square chi test was used to analize clinical and gynecological data from female partners and data from semen examination. Statistical differences were considered as significant when the p value was below 0.05. Results. C. trachomatis active infection was found in 14 out of 384 urethral swabs (3.6%). No significant alterations were observed in semen samples of C. trachomatis-infected men, as compared to non-infected individuals. Microbiological analyses of semen showed a significant isolation o/Mycoplasma sp (RR = 5.87, IC95% 1.4-24.7). Eight out of fourteen female partners of C. trachomatis-infected men were also infected with C. trachomatis (RR= 10.57, IC95% 5.67-19.7), Candida albicans was other pathogen isolated from 8/14 of those women (RR = 1.89, IC95% 1.17-3.05). Gynecological and obstetrical associations found among female partners of C. trachomatis-infected men were as follows: tubal adhesions in 10/14 (RR = 1.54, IC95% 1.08-2.18), salpingitis in 2/14 (RR = 2.2), history of ectopic pregnancies in 11/14 (RR =2.94, IC95% 1.01-8.53) and abnormal pregnancy loss in 9/14 (RR = 1.5). Conclusion. A low prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was observed among male partners of infertile couples as compared with other reports, but this discrepancy could be attributable to the specimen collection and diagnostic assay used. Otherwise, this data suggests that a chronic pathogen's antigenic stimulation may result in an increased formation of tubal adhesions and/or in ectopic pregnancies among female partners of C. trachomatis-infected individuals. Thus, preventive and control measures must be introduced into men's healthcare services, through laboratory and clinical examination, since these subjects are the main reservoirs of C trachomatis.

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de infección por Chlamydia trachomatis y comparar la información clínica y el estilo de vida de varones con y sin infección por este patógeno, así como su asociación con las alteraciones ginecológicas que presenta su compañera sexual en un grupo de parejas que asisten a la Clínica de Infertilidad del Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia de la Ciudad de México. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio abierto, longitudinal y prospectivo en un grupo de parejas con diagnóstico de infertilidad, que fueron tratadas en el Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia durante el periodo de junio del 2000 a abril del 2001. Se recolectaron muestras uretrales y cervicales de cada pareja para el diagnóstico de C. trachomatis mediante la prueba de hibridación en fase líquida (PACE-2). También se recolectaron muestras de semen para el análisis de espermatobioscopia y se hicieron cultivos microbiológicos de rutina a las muestras cervicales y de semen. Los datos microbiológicos, clínicos y ginecológicos de los participantes fueron comparados por %z, el análisis de tendencia para proporciones fue usado para establecer el nivel de riesgo en las variables (RR). Las diferencias fueron consideradas estadísticamente significativas si p < 0.05. Resultados. Se analizaron un total de 384 muestras uretrales de varones, 14 presentaron infección activa por C. trachomatis (3.6%), Los datos de espermatobioscopia de los individuos positivos a C. trachomatis no mostraron alteraciones significativas con respecto al de varones no infectados con esta bacteria. El análisis microbiológico del semen mostró un número de aislamientos significativos de infección por Mycoplasma sp. (RR = 5.87, IC95% 1.40-24.70). En cuanto a las muestras cervicovaginales de mujeres con compañero sexual infectado por C. trachomatis, los patógenos aislados con mayor frecuencia fueron: Candida albicans en ocho de 14 (RR = 1.89, IC95% 1.17-3.05) y C. trachomatis en ocho de 14 (RR = 10.57, IC95% 5.67-19.7). Las asociaciones ginecológicas y obstétricas de la compañera sexual de varones positivos a C. trachomatis fueron adherencias tubáricas en 10 de 14 (RR = 1.54, IC95% 1.08-2.18), salpingitis en dos de 14 (RR = 2.2), antecedentes de embarazos ectópicos en 11 de 14 casos (RR = 2.94, IC95% 1.01-8.53) y abortos previos en nueve de 14 (RR = 1.5). Conclusión. Se observó una baja prevalencia de infección por C. trachomatis en los varones de mujeres infértiles en comparación con lo reportado por otros autores, esta diferencia puede estar dada por el método de diagnóstico y la toma del producto. Estos resultados sugieren que el estímulo constante del patógeno produce un aumento de adherencias tubáricas y embarazos ectópicos en las compañeras sexuales de los varones infectados con C. trachomatis. Por lo que una evaluación diagnóstica y de laboratorio deberá ser llevada a cabo en el varón como una medida de prevención y control para la infección por este patógeno, ya que estos individuos actúan como reservónos importantes de infección.

Clínica y nuevas tecnologías diagnósticas en el embarazo ectópico / Clinic and new diagnostic technologies in the ectopic pregnancy

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada acerca del embarazo ectópico. Su tendencia actual a incrementar la incidencia en Cuba y en el mundo se atribuye a la mayor frecuencia de los factores etiopatogénicos relacionados con esta enfermedad. Se describen las formas clínicas de presentación y los métodos de diagnósticos tradicionales así como novedosas técnicas actuales