Ectopic pregnancy recurrence: role of gynecologic, obstetric, contraceptive and smoking history]

The purpose of this study, based on data from the register of ectopic pregnancy in Auvergne (centre of France), is to identify risk factors of recurrence of ectopic pregnancy (EP). The social characteristics, gynaecological, surgical and reproductive history and conditions of the conception of 96 women with a previous EP were compared to those for 566 women without previous EP. Risk factors associated with the management of the first EP could not be analysed with the data available. Several factors increased the risk of recurrence: previous proved or suspected salpingitis (OR = 3.6), maternal smoking (OR = 1.7 to 2.0 according to the consumption level), maternal age greater than 30 (OR = 2.0), and previous recurrent spontaneous abortions (SA) among childless women (OR = 3.4 to 11.9 according to the number of SA). The last of these factors may reflect another unknown risk factors common to recurrent SA and recurrent EP (for example hormonal or karyotype factors). Previous use of intra uterine device is associated with a decrease in the risk of recurrence of EP (OR = 0.27), but this contraceptive method should be considered as an indicator of good fertility rather than as a protective factor for EP recurrence.