The increasing problem of ectopic pregnancies and its impact on patients and physicians.

The incidence of ectopic pregnancies tripled between 1970 and 1980. Nonwhite patients are at considerably greater risk in all categories surveyed than are white ones. Numerous reasons for the increase have been postulated, including a possible increase in pelvic inflammatory disease, microsurgical procedures on diseased tubes, the increased number of sterilizations and an increase in the number of recognized cases. Ultrasound and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy tests coupled with laparoscopy allow earlier and more accurate diagnosis of this problem. Deaths related to ectopic pregnancies have decreased because of the better diagnostic methods available and increased clinician awareness.