[Incidence and treatment of extrauterine pregnancies in Norway 1990-2001].

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate incidence and treatment of ectopic pregnancy in Norway (1990 to 2001).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were compiled from hospital discharges (1990 to 2001) and hospital outpatient care (2000 to 2001) as reported to the National Patient Registry. Selection was based on ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes for ectopic pregnancy (women, 15-44 years old).

RESULTS

The incidence rate decreased from 17.3 to 9.5 per 10 000 women-years and the ratio to live births decreased from 26.4 to 14.9 per 1000 over the study period. Women aged 25-34 had the highest incidence rate of ectopic pregnancy. Measured as ratio per 1000 live births, ectopic pregnancy increased with age. Laparoscopic treatment was much more used, whereas length of hospital stay fell off continuously. The proportion of patients re-admitted was stable throughout the period (5%). In 2000 and 2001, every third patient had at least one outpatient consultation. There were large variations between counties in the proportion of patients treated by laparoscopy and in the prevalence of outpatient care.

INTERPRETATION

The observed decrease of ectopic pregnancy measured as incidence rates and ratio to live births indicates increased fertility. In some counties it might be possible to increase the use of laparoscopy, which might result in shorter hospital stays.