Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy: A Study of 13 Consecutive Cases seen in 1993 and 1994 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Thirteen cases of advanced abdominal pregnancy (AAP) managed at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana, over a two-year period (1993–1994) are presented. An incidence ratio of one advanced abdominal pregnancy to 1,320 deliveries occurred during this period. The ratio of advanced abdominal pregnancy to ectopic pregnancy was 1:43.7. The perinatal mortality rate and maternal case fatality rates were 69.6% and 15.3% respectively. Recurrent abdominal pains in the gravid patient with abnormal fetal lie and prior history of tubal pregnancy and/or previous abdominal surgery were significant findings in the cases reviewed. These findings should, therefore, always prompt lucid and elaborate ultrasound examination of a pregnancy to exclude abdominal pregnancy.

(Afr J Reprod Health 2000; 4 [1]: 28-39)

Key Words: Advanced abdominal pregnancy, Ghana, Komfo Anokye Hospital, maternal mortality