ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON INNOVATIONS IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

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Laboratorinė medicina. 2024,
t. 26,
Nr. 2,
p. 111 -
117

Summary

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a fertilized egg (blastocyst) implants outside the endometrium of the uterine cavity. Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous complication for pregnant women, accounting for approximately 2–3% of all pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancy most commonly manifests as episodes of severe lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and non-specific symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. In rare cases, the symptoms caused by ectopic pregnancy can be unpredictable and misleading, making early and accurate diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy vital for the health of the pregnant woman. Delayed diagnosis and late initiation of treatment can lead to severe complications for the pregnant woman, including internal organ bleeding or even death. The pathology of ectopic pregnancy is significant due to the high morbidity and mortality rates among pregnant women, making accurate treatment choices crucial to prevent complications and preserve the woman's health and fertility.

Objective. To review clinical practice and innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy in scientific articles published between 2018 and 2023.

Methodology. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted. Data and information were collected based on scientific literature published in 2018– 2023 in PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey databases on the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

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