Ectopic pregnancy and seasonal variation : a retrospective study from the South Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Objective : To determine whether there is seasonal variation in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in our community.

Design : A retrospective study.

Setting : Abha Maternity Hospital, Saudi Arabia Subjects : One hundred and thirty patients who were treated for ectopic pregnancy during a seven-year period.

Main outcome measures: Season when the ectopic pregnancy took place.

Results : The overall incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 0.61% ± 0.50%.

There was an increase in the general trend (r=0.24, P=0.025).

The highest mean incidence rate was noticed during the winter season (0.87%) while the lowest mean incidence rate was during spring (0.41%).

This difference was statistically significant.

(F3/80=3.495, P=0.019).

Conclusion : There is a seasonal variation in the incidence rate of ectopic pregnancy with the highest mean incidence in the winter season in our environment.

The findings may suggest an association between meteorological factors and ectopic pregnancy.