Clinical presentation, management patterns, and short-term outcomes of ectopic pregnancy: a hospital-based descriptive observational study.

Background Ectopic pregnancy remains an important cause of first-trimester maternal morbidity and emergency gynecologic admission, particularly when diagnosis is delayed and tubal rupture has already occurred. Early recognition using transvaginal ultrasonography and serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin can improve triage and expand conservative treatment options. Objectives To assess the clinical presentation, associated risk factors, anatomical distribution, management patterns, and treatment outcomes among women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy. Methods This hospital-based descriptive observational study included 100 women with confirmed ectopic pregnancy who were managed at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India, between December 2024 and November 2025. Demographic and obstetric characteristics, associated risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, anatomical location, treatment modalities, and short-term maternal outcomes were assessed. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results The mean age of the participants was 27.4 ± 4.8 years. Most women were multigravida, multiparous, from rural areas, and unbooked at presentation. Abdominal pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding were the commonest presenting features. Ampullary tubal pregnancy was the predominant site, and more than half of the women presented with ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Initial management was surgical in 74.0% of cases, while 18.0% received methotrexate and 8.0% were initially observed expectantly. Final definitive management was surgical in 78.0% of women. Blood transfusion was required in 26.0%, but no maternal deaths occurred. Conclusion Ectopic pregnancy in this study commonly presented after clinical deterioration, leading to a high burden of rupture and operative intervention. Prompt diagnosis, early referral, and structured management pathways were associated with favorable short-term survival. Recommendations Strengthening early pregnancy assessment services, improving peripheral referral systems, and ensuring timely access to ultrasonography, serum beta-hCG testing, and conservative treatment protocols can reduce rupture-related morbidity.