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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: ectopic pregnancies
A recent case of pregnancy stunned doctors in Bulandhshahr, Uttar Pradesh: an MRI scan, conducted after the pregnant woman complained of vomiting and stomach pain, revealed a foetus growing in the liver, as per media reports. This extremely rare condition is known as an intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, as Ectopic Pregnancy Awareness Day went by last week, on August 1, a day dedicated to highlighting this condition and the experiences of those who have been affected, here is all you need to know about it. What is an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilised egg, instead of implanting itself in the uterus, implants outside of it, commonly in the fallopian tube. This sort of pregnancy cannot proceed normally. It could cause bleeding, and may even be life-threatening in some cases. Pregnancy begins with fertilisation of a sperm cell and and egg cell. The fertilised egg is then meant to travel down the fallopian tubes, which are tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, and attach itself to the lining of the uterus (womb). In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg attaches itself to a structure other than the uterus. When it attaches to the fallopian tubes, it is called a tubal pregnancy. Rarely, the fertilised egg may attach to the ovary, abdominal cavity or cervix. Since only the uterus is meant to carry a growing embryo, these pregnancies cannot continue. Why do ectopic pregnancies occur? Ectopic pregnancies occur when the movement of the fertilised egg is blocked. This could occur due to inflammation or scarring of the fallopian tubes, damage to the fallopian tubes (due to prior surgeries or infections), or an irregularly-shaped fallopian tube. Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include: a prior ectopic pregnancy, having had certain sexually transmitted infections, surgery of fallopian tubes, a history of smoking, infertility and fertility treatments, endometriosis, and having an intrauterine device in place at the time of conception. Advanced age (over 35) is also a risk factor. However not all women will have any or all of the risk factors. How common are ectopic pregnancies? A 2023 research paper, Clinical Profile, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Ectopic Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Indian Study published in Cureus, noted that the incidence of ectopic pregnancies in India has been reported in the range of 0.91-2.3%. The study found that amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) was the most common symptom seen in the cases it analysed. On ultrasound, the most common finding was tubo-ovarian mass. In the majority of patients studied, the ampullary region in the fallopian tube was the site of the ectopic pregnancy. According to the 'Global burden of ectopic pregnancy from 1990 to 2019: A tendency, forecasted trend and inequality analyses based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019', in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, in June 2025, the number of ectopic pregnancies has fallen from 1990 to 2019. The study however highlights the significant burden of ectopic pregnancies, especially for low socio-demographic index countries. Addressing health inequality is crucial for developing effective intervention policies to improve global maternal health outcomes, it notes. What are the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy? Ectopic pregnancies don't always cause symptoms. Some symptoms may also be similar to those in early pregnancy such as a missed period, nausea and tenderness of breasts. Other symptoms may become noticeable later and may include: vaginal bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, as well as pelvic and back pain, dizziness, pain in the shoulder, discomfort during bowel movements, and low blood pressure. The rupture of the fallopian tube, with sudden, sharp, abdominal pain and extreme light-headedness is a medical emergency as it can cause severe, internal bleeding. Immediate medical attention is required as it can be life-threatening. How is an ectopic pregnancy managed and treated? Many women may not know that their pregnancy is ectopic until they see a healthcare provider. Urine, blood tests and ultrasounds may be required for the doctor to arrive at a diagnosis. They are generally diagnosed early in the pregnancy. Since a pregnancy cannot proceed outside the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy is usually treated with medication or surgery. A common medication used is methotrexate: this stops the cells of the fertilised egg from growing and helps dissolve existing cells. This medication cannot be taken if the fallopian tubes are ruptured. It is important to have a confirmed diagnoses prior to taking the medication. After the medication is taken, follow-ups are required to monitor blood hCG levels (detection of pregnancy) and to determine if more medication is needed. In some cases, surgery may be required. Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is generally performed. The surgery may involve removing the egg from the fallopian, or removing both the egg and the tube. This depends on the amount of bleeding incurred, damage to the tube and other factors. In case of a ruptured tube, emergency surgery may be required. What happens after an ectopic pregnancy? Losing a pregnancy can be very difficult, and feelings of loss can last for a long time. It is important to seek help if required. Consulting a healthcare provider about future pregnancies is recommended. There is a higher risk for another ectopic pregnancy after having had one; however most women can go on to have successful pregnancies.
Economic Times
06-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Knee pain in your 30s? New study links rising BMI to why a condition once tied to old age is now affecting young adults
A recent study from the University of Oulu indicates that knee joint deterioration can begin silently in early adulthood, even without pain. MRI scans of asymptomatic individuals revealed frequent subtle knee findings, particularly in the patellofemoral joint. Higher BMI was strongly associated with these findings, suggesting a potential risk factor for early cartilage damage. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A new study by Joona Tapio and Antti Kemppainen of the University of Oulu reveals that knee joints may begin to deteriorate silently well before any pain is felt. This could explain why many 33-year-olds already exhibit signs of cartilage damage in their knees despite having no symptoms."Knee joint is the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Degenerative findings in the knee joint are common in older adults, but can manifest already in early adulthood," said the study."In finding-specific regression analyses, higher body mass index (BMI) was most frequently associated with knee MRI findings. In this relatively young and asymptomatic population, subtle knee MRI findings were already frequent, especially in the patellofemoral joint. Of analyzed background and clinical parameters, higher BMI was most frequently associated with MRI findings. Based on these results, longitudinal studies are warranted to further identify risk factors and proportions of progressing MRI findings," said the study explained that a large cohort study of over 290 000 patients found that the fraction of patients with OA in the 18–44-year age category had increased from 6.2% in 2001 to 22.7% in 2018."The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 survey reported a consistent rise in the global OA incidence and prevalence in the 30–44-year age groups from 1990 to 2019. In high socio-demographic index regions, the incidence and prevalence of OA in these age groups exceeded the age-standardized world average. As high body mass index (BMI) contributed to only approximately 20% of the total OA burden, the increase is likely attributed to increased health awareness, a lowered threshold to seek medical evaluation and, consequently, diagnostic imaging," according to the study.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Knee pain in your 30s? New study links rising BMI to why a condition once tied to old age is now affecting young adults
A recent study from the University of Oulu indicates that knee joint deterioration can begin silently in early adulthood, even without pain. MRI scans of asymptomatic individuals revealed frequent subtle knee findings, particularly in the patellofemoral joint. Higher BMI was strongly associated with these findings, suggesting a potential risk factor for early cartilage damage. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A new study by Joona Tapio and Antti Kemppainen of the University of Oulu reveals that knee joints may begin to deteriorate silently well before any pain is felt. This could explain why many 33-year-olds already exhibit signs of cartilage damage in their knees despite having no symptoms."Knee joint is the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Degenerative findings in the knee joint are common in older adults, but can manifest already in early adulthood," said the study."In finding-specific regression analyses, higher body mass index (BMI) was most frequently associated with knee MRI findings. In this relatively young and asymptomatic population, subtle knee MRI findings were already frequent, especially in the patellofemoral joint. Of analyzed background and clinical parameters, higher BMI was most frequently associated with MRI findings. Based on these results, longitudinal studies are warranted to further identify risk factors and proportions of progressing MRI findings," said the study explained that a large cohort study of over 290 000 patients found that the fraction of patients with OA in the 18–44-year age category had increased from 6.2% in 2001 to 22.7% in 2018."The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 survey reported a consistent rise in the global OA incidence and prevalence in the 30–44-year age groups from 1990 to 2019. In high socio-demographic index regions, the incidence and prevalence of OA in these age groups exceeded the age-standardized world average. As high body mass index (BMI) contributed to only approximately 20% of the total OA burden, the increase is likely attributed to increased health awareness, a lowered threshold to seek medical evaluation and, consequently, diagnostic imaging," according to the study.
