Time trends of ectopic pregnancies

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Abstract
Whether the increase of ectopic pregnancies could be explained by methodological problems or by changing age structure was examined in data from one hospital (Tampere, Finland) between 1972 and 1984. Numbers of ectopic pregnancies, births, and induced and spontaneous abortions were obtained by 5-year age-groups and county of residence from the hospital discharge register. Introduction of a more sensitive pregnancy test in 1979 was coincident with the most rapid increase in the role of ectopic pregnancies. Use of incomplete denominators and varying catchment areas and correction of changing age-distribution of pregnant women did not markedly influence the time trends. Our analysis suggests that the observed increase in ectopic pregnancies in this area was partly real and partly due to better diagnosis.

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