[Comparison of fertility rates after ectopic pregnancy in Auvergne and Lille regions].

OBJECTIVES

Fertility rates after ectopic pregnancy (EP) were compared between the Auvergne region (central France) and the Lille region (northern France) in order to determine whether fertility factors are similar. We also wanted to determine whether regional differences persist if known fertility factors are taken into account.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Data from the Auvergne EP register 1992-1998 (1.285 women, among whom 552 tried to become pregnant again) and from Lille register 1994-1997 (678 women, among whom 343 tried to become pregnant again) were analyzed. Fertility was characterized by the time to a new pregnancy and its outcome (EP recurrence, intrauterine pregnancy (IUP)). Censored data methodology was used.

RESULTS

Despite differences in general fertility characteristics between regions, fertility factors were the same with similar relative risks for age, history of infertility, previous tubal damage, use of an intrauterine device at the time of EP and EP treatment. When these factors were taken into account, fertility rate after EP remained significantly better in Auvergne than in the Lille region.

CONCLUSION

This common analysis of data from two registers confirms, from a quantitative point of view, the role of the main factors associated with fertility after EP. However, other factors such as EP management or the surgical technique may intervene.