Congenital syphilis

Syphilis Treatment Among People Who Are Pregnant in Six U.S. States, 2018-2021

OBJECTIVE

To describe syphilis treatment status and prenatal care among people with syphilis during pregnancy to identify missed opportunities for preventing congenital syphilis.

METHODS

Six jurisdictions that participated in SET-NET (Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Pregnant People and Infants Network) conducted enhanced surveillance among people with syphilis during pregnancy based on case investigations, medical records, and linkage of laboratory data with vital records. Unadjusted risk ratios (RRs) were used to compare demographic and clinical characteristics by syphilis stage (primary, secondary, or early latent vs late latent or unknown) and treatment status during pregnancy (adequate per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021" vs inadequate or not treated) and by prenatal care (timely: at least 30 days before pregnancy outcome; nontimely: less than 30 days before pregnancy outcome; and no prenatal care).

RESULTS

As of September 15, 2023, of 1,476 people with syphilis during pregnancy, 855 (57.9%) were adequately treated and 621 (42.1%) were inadequately treated or not treated. Eighty-two percent of the cohort received timely prenatal care. Although those with nontimely or no prenatal care were more likely to receive inadequate or no treatment (RR 2.50, 95% CI, 2.17-2.88 and RR 2.73, 95% CI, 2.47-3.02, respectively), 32.1% of those with timely prenatal care were inadequately or not treated. Those with reported substance use or a history of homelessness were nearly twice as likely to receive inadequate or no treatment (RR 2.04, 95% CI, 1.82-2.28 and RR 1.83, 95% CI, 1.58-2.13, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this surveillance cohort, people without timely prenatal care had the highest risk for syphilis treatment inadequacy; however, almost a third of people who received timely prenatal care were not adequately treated. These findings underscore gaps in syphilis screening and treatment for pregnant people, especially those experiencing substance use and homelessness, and the need for systems-based interventions, such as treatment outside of traditional prenatal care settings.

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with maternal and congenital syphilis - A prospective study in Peru

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to explore the factors and outcomes associated with gestational syphilis in Peru.

METHODS

Women from the miscarriage, vaginal delivery, and C-section wards from a large maternity hospital in Lima with or without syphilis diagnosis were enrolled and their pregnancy outcomes compared. Maternal syphilis status using maternal blood and child serostatus using cord blood were determined by rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and rapid syphilis tests. The newborns' clinical records were used to determine congenital syphilis.

RESULTS

A total of 340 women were enrolled, 197 were positive and 143 were negative for RPR/rapid syphilis tests. Antibody titers in sera from cord and maternal blood were comparable with RPR titers and were highly correlated (rho = 0.82, P <0.001). Young age (P = 0.009) and lower birth weight (P = 0.029) were associated with gestational syphilis. Of the women with gestational syphilis, 76% had received proper treatment. Mothers of all newborns with congenital syphilis also received appropriate treatment. Treatment of their sexual partners was not documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Syphilis during pregnancy remains a major cause of the fetal loss and devastating effects of congenital syphilis in newborns.

Nephrotic Syndrome Throughout Childhood: Diagnosing Podocytopathies From the Womb to the Dorm

The etiologies of podocyte dysfunction that lead to pediatric nephrotic syndrome (NS) are vast and vary with age at presentation. The discovery of numerous novel genetic podocytopathies and the evolution of diagnostic technologies has transformed the investigation of steroid-resistant NS while simultaneously promoting the replacement of traditional morphology-based disease classifications with a mechanistic approach. Podocytopathies associated with primary and secondary steroid-resistant NS manifest as diffuse mesangial sclerosis, minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and collapsing glomerulopathy. Molecular testing, once an ancillary option, has become a vital component of the clinical investigation and when paired with kidney biopsy findings, provides data that can optimize treatment and prognosis. This review focuses on the causes including selected monogenic defects, clinical phenotypes, histopathologic findings, and age-appropriate differential diagnoses of nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric population with an emphasis on podocytopathies.

Ultrasound findings in early congenital syphilis: Two case reports and literature review

Syphilis is caused by treponema pallidum. If untreated, or inadequately treated, during pregnancy, it can result in congenital syphilis (CS), which is classified as early and late. Early CS displays before 2 years of age. We herein describe 2 cases of early CS, whose clinical onset included liver failure, edema, organomegaly, and respiratory distress. We focus on liver, intestinal, and brain ultrasound (US) and other peculiar radiological findings. To date, there are no scientific data on intestinal and brain US findings in patients with early CS whereas data on abdominal US are scarce. Increasing knowledge about US findings in early CS could be useful to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these patients.

Point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among pregnant women in South Africa, 2021-2022: randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Pregnant and postpartum women (PPW) in Southern Africa are at increased risk of acquiring HIV and curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is safe and effective to use during pregnancy to reduce HIV acquisition and vertical transmission. Point-of-care (POC) STI testing can identify PPW at risk of HIV and facilitate risk-differentiated and person-centred counselling to improve PrEP initiation, persistence and adherence. We evaluated the impact of POC STI testing compared with STI syndromic management on PrEP outcomes among PPW in Cape Town, South Africa.

METHODS

The STI and PrEP in Pregnancy Study enrolled PPW without HIV and ≤34 weeks pregnant at their regular antenatal care visit with follow-up after 1 month. PPW were randomised to receive POC STI testing or STI syndromic management. PPW randomised to POC STI testing self-collected vaginal swabs for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis (Cepheid GeneXpert) testing and were offered same-day treatment if diagnosed. We compared PrEP initiation at baseline, PrEP prescription refill at 1 month (persistence) and adherence through tenofovir-diphosphate detection in dried blood spots by randomisation arm. In a secondary analysis, we evaluated the association between an STI diagnosis (positive STI test or reporting STI symptoms) with PrEP outcomes.

RESULTS

We enrolled and randomised 268 pregnant women. Twenty-eight per cent of women were diagnosed with ≥1 STI. Overall, 65% of women initiated and 79% persisted on PrEP with no significant differences by randomisation arm. Secondary analysis demonstrated that an STI diagnosis (positive STI test or reporting STI symptoms) was associated with higher PrEP initiation (adjusted relative risk=1.28; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.52), controlling for arm, maternal and gestational age.

CONCLUSIONS

POC STI testing was not associated with PrEP initiation or persistence relative to syndromic management. However, improving STI diagnosis by supplementing syndromic management with POC STI testing could improve PrEP initiation among PPW.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03902418; Clinical Trials.gov; 1 April 2019.

Ignored and undervalued in public health: a systematic review of health state utility values associated with syphilis infection

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection causing significant global morbidity and mortality. To inform policymaking and economic evaluation studies for syphilis, we summarised utility and disability weights for health states associated with syphilis.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review, searching six databases for economic evaluations and primary valuation studies related to syphilis from January 2000 to February 2022. We extracted health state utility values or disability weights, including identification of how these were derived. The study was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42021230035).

FINDINGS

Of 3401 studies screened, 22 economic evaluations, two primary studies providing condition-specific measures, and 13 burden of disease studies were included. Fifteen economic evaluations reported outcomes as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and seven reported quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Fourteen of 15 economic evaluations that used DALYS based their values on the original Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study from 1990 (published in 1996). For the seven QALY-related economic evaluations, the methodology varied between studies, with some studies using assumptions and others creating utility weights or converting them from disability weights.

INTERPRETATION

We found a limited evidence base for the valuation of health states for syphilis, a lack of transparency for the development of existing health state utility values, and inconsistencies in the application of these values to estimate DALYs and QALYs. Further research is required to expand the evidence base so that policymakers can access accurate and well-informed economic evaluations to allocate resources to address syphilis and implement syphilis programs that are cost-effective.

Pemphigus syphiliticus with Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in a newborn

Congenital syphilis is a serious, disabling, and life-threatening infection that is transmitted transplacentally from mother to fetus. Early diagnosis is often difficult because affected infants are usually asymptomatic at birth and clinical findings are often subtle and nonspecific. Pemphigus syphiliticus is an early presentation of congenital syphilis which is characterized by fluid-filled vesicles and bullae which appear mostly on the extremities and tend to rapidly desquamate and erode. Awareness of the clinicians to this early cutaneous manifestation and possible treatment reaction will allow for prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment of syphilis-infected patients.

Borrelia burgdorferi colonizes the mammary glands of lactating C3H mice: does not cause congenital Lyme disease

Transplacental transmission of syphilis causing spirochete, Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, from mother to child results in congenital syphilis, an ever-expanding devastating disease worldwide. Although adverse effects of untreated gestational Lyme disease, caused by a related spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi on fetus viability and development have been observed, cases of congenital Lyme disease are not reported. In this study, we show that B. burgdorferi colonizes mammary glands of C3H mice only postpartum; however, neither transmission of these spirochetes from dams-to-pups occurs nor congenital Lyme disease is observed in pups.

Severe pulmonary hypertension and circulatory failure associated with Congenital syphilis. Case report

BACKGROUND

Congenital syphilis is a vertical infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Despite the implementation of preventive strategies during pregnancy, its incidence is increasing, and it constitutes an important public health problem. Most patients with congenital syphilis are asymptomatic; however, a small group may develop severe disease at birth with the need of advanced resuscitation in the delivery room, acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, and hemodynamic instability. Therefore, awareness is needed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This series describes the clinical course of two late preterm infants with congenital syphilis who developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and circulatory collapse early after birth. Integrated hemodynamic evaluation with neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) and therapeutic management is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation including early and serial functional echocardiography in these patients is needed to address the underlying complex pathophysiology and to help to establish accurate treatment.

The Mortality of Congenital Syphilis

OBJECTIVES

To document the case-fatality rate (CFR) of congenital syphilis diagnosed by molecular tools and rabbit infectivity testing (RIT) of clinical specimens in addition to standard evaluation and to compare that with the CFR using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance case definition.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, single site, cohort study of all cases of syphilis among mothers and their infants from 1984 to 2002. The diagnosis of congenital syphilis was determined using IgM immunoblotting, polymerase chain reaction, and RIT of fetal or infant specimens in addition to clinical, laboratory, and radiographic criteria. Data were retrospectively reviewed to ascertain fetal and neonatal mortality.

RESULTS

During the 18-year study, there were 191 cases of congenital syphilis confirmed by abnormalities on clinical, laboratory, or radiographic evaluation and/or positive serum IgM immunoblot, blood polymerase chain reaction, or blood/cerebrospinal fluid RIT. Of the 191 cases, 59 died for a CFR of 31%. Of the 59 deaths, 53 (90%) were stillborn and 6 (10%) died in the neonatal period. The majority (74%, 39/53) of stillbirths occurred in the third trimester. The CDC surveillance case definition correctly identified all infants with congenital syphilis, but the CDC CFR was 10% which underestimated the CFR by more than 300%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings corroborate the high sensitivity of the CDC surveillance definition for congenital syphilis but highlight its poor estimation of its associated mortality. The CFR among infected progeny of pregnant women with syphilis was 31%, due mostly to demise in the third trimester and as such highlights the need for detection and appropriate treatment of syphilis during pregnancy.

Placental Syphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Routine Histomorphology, HIV Co-infection, Penicillin Treatment, Immunohistochemistry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction

Introduction: Placental examination is valuable for diagnosing congenital syphilis, but the classic histological triad is not always observed. This study aimed to identify additional morphological clues, evaluate the sensitivity of IHC and qPCR, and investigate the impact of HIV co-infection and penicillin treatment on placental morphology. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifteen placental specimens with treponemal infection were reviewed. Morphological findings, IHC, and qPCR results were analyzed. Results: Chronic villitis (94%), acute chorioamnionitis (91.6%), and villous immaturity (65.6%) were the most common abnormalities. HIV co-infection and penicillin treatment were associated with reduced frequencies of inflammatory lesions. IHC and qPCR exhibited sensitivities of 74.4 and 25.8%, respectively, confirming the diagnosis in 42 cases with negative or unknown serology. Conclusion: Villitis, chorioamnionitis, and villous immaturity were identified as the predominant placental abnormalities. HIV co-infection and penicillin treatment can impact morphology and hamper the diagnosis. IHC and q-PCR are valuable adjuncts when serology is negative.

Congenital syphilis in Switzerland: a retrospective cohort study, 2010 to 2019

AIMS OF THE STUDY

We previously reported a re-emergence of syphilis from 2006 to 2009 with detection of congenital syphilis in Switzerland. This study aimed to reassess the incidence of children exposed to maternal syphilis during pregnancy and congenital syphilis in a following 10-year period in the canton of Zurich, the most populous canton in Switzerland with the highest incidences of syphilis.

METHODS

Children were identified both by reviewing medical records at the four major neonatal and paediatric hospitals providing acute care in the canton of Zurich and by the serological database of the syphilis reference laboratory. Inclusion criteria for children were (a) date of birth in the period 2010-2019, (b) place of birth in the canton of Zurich, (c) evaluation for syphilis due to positive syphilis pregnancy screening and (d) age <1 year at diagnosis. Results were compared with epidemiological data provided by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

RESULTS

We identified and evaluated 17 children after potential exposure to maternal syphilis. Residual antibodies of a past infection were found in 11 mothers. Six children were identified as having had real exposure to asymptomatic maternal syphilis. From an epidemiological perspective, the distribution of the cases followed a similar pattern as confirmed syphilis cases in women of childbearing age reported to the FOPH. No cases of congenital syphilis were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to the rise in syphilis infections, this study identified no cases of congenital syphilis in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, in the period 2010-2019. Syphilis pregnancy screening may have prevented congenital syphilis by diagnosing and allowing adequate treatment of asymptomatic maternal syphilis.

Vital Signs: Missed Opportunities for Preventing Congenital Syphilis - United States, 2022

Introduction

Congenital syphilis cases in the United States increased 755% during 2012-2021. Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, infant death, and maternal and infant morbidity; these outcomes can be prevented through appropriate screening and treatment.

Methods

A cascading framework was used to identify and classify missed opportunities to prevent congenital syphilis among cases reported to CDC in 2022 through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Data on testing and treatment during pregnancy and clinical manifestations present in the newborn were used to identify missed opportunities to prevent congenital syphilis.

Results

In 2022, a total of 3,761 cases of congenital syphilis in the United States were reported to CDC, including 231 (6%) stillbirths and 51 (1%) infant deaths. Lack of timely testing and adequate treatment during pregnancy contributed to 88% of cases of congenital syphilis. Testing and treatment gaps were present in the majority of cases across all races, ethnicities, and U.S. Census Bureau regions.

Conclusions and implications for public health practice

Addressing missed opportunities for prevention, primarily timely testing and appropriate treatment of syphilis during pregnancy, is important for reversing congenital syphilis trends in the United States. Implementing tailored strategies addressing missed opportunities at the local and national levels could substantially reduce congenital syphilis.

A patient with secondary syphilis following incomplete treatment of primary infection

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum and is primarily transmitted via skin-to-skin or mucosal contact during sexual encounters, or through vertical transmission during pregnancy. Cases continue to rise globally across various demographic groups despite effective treatment and prevention interventions. We discuss the case of a 28-year-old cisgender man who presented with secondary syphilis 1 month after being inadequately treated for primary syphilis. Individuals can present with symptoms and signs of syphilis to clinicians of various subspecialties due to diverse clinical presentation. All health-care providers should be able to identify the common and less common manifestations of this infection, and adequate treatment and follow-up are crucial to preventing serious sequelae. Novel biomedical prevention interventions, such as doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, are on the horizon.

Spike in Congenital Syphilis, Mississippi, USA, 2016-2022

In Mississippi, USA, infant hospitalization with congenital syphilis (CS) spiked by 1,000%, from 10 in 2016 to 110 in 2022. To determine the causes of this alarming development, we analyzed Mississippi hospital discharge data to evaluate trends, demographics, outcomes, and risk factors for infants diagnosed with CS hospitalized during 2016–2022. Of the 367 infants hospitalized with a CS diagnosis, 97.6% were newborn, 92.6% were covered by Medicaid, 71.1% were African American, and 58.0% were nonurban residents. Newborns with CS had higher odds of being affected by maternal illicit drug use, being born prematurely (<37 weeks), and having very low birthweight (<1,500 g) than those without CS. Mean length of hospital stay (14.5 days vs. 3.8 days) and mean charges ($56,802 vs. $13,945) were also higher for infants with CS than for those without. To address escalation of CS, Mississippi should invest in comprehensive prenatal care and early treatment of vulnerable populations.

Demystifying Ocular Syphilis - A Major Review

Syphilis, caused by the spirochaete, Treponema pallidum, continues to be a public health challenge globally with its rates steadily increasing in the past few years. The disease is transmitted through small breaks in the skin during sexual contact, or via congenital transmission in utero, either across the placenta or by contact with an active genital lesion during delivery. Estimated 5.7-6 million new cases are detected every year worldwide in the 15-49 years age group. An increased incidence has been reported in most populations with particular clusters in special groups like men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and their male clients. Ocular syphilis has a varied presentation and is considered a great mimicker in all cases of uveitis. The laboratory diagnosis of syphilis is predominantly based on serological tests including TPHA and VDRL. Parenteral penicillin is the cornerstone of treatment for all stages of ocular syphilis.

Congenital Syphilis Infection: A Case Study

Congenital syphilis (CS) infection occurs by way of vertical transmission of the bacteria Treponema pallidum from mother to fetus. While nearly eliminated by the turn of the twenty-first century, CS has resurged in recent years and currently represents a worldwide public health calamity secondary to insufficient prenatal care and inadequate maternal treatment. Fetal and neonatal consequences include stillbirth, cutaneous and visceral symptoms, asymptomatic infection, and death. Given the rise in cases in both wealthy and resource-poor areas, neonatal clinicians are obligated to maintain acumen specific to risk factors, manifestations, and treatment regimens. However, limited data guide postnatal treatment regimens, particularly in preterm neonates. We present a case report of a preterm female with CS and integrated review of the literature. Our findings indicate that CS is preventable through efficient and judicious perinatal screening, early detection, and adequate treatment of maternal syphilis during pregnancy.

Congenital syphilis: associated factors in a follow-up outpatient clinic

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the characteristics of mothers and children assisted in a follow-up clinic for congenital syphilis and identify the factors associated with the confirmation of the diagnosis.

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted from 2016 to 2019 in Montes Claros, Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specific forms addressing maternal sociodemographic, behavioral, and lifestyle habit characteristics, as well as characteristics related to access to healthcare, were used. Hierarchical Poisson regression analysis was performed to define the factors associated with diagnostic confirmation, including the calculation of the prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

A total of 200 binomials (mother-child) who attended at least one appointment as part of the follow-up after discharge from the maternity hospital were eligible for the study. The mothers were mostly young (79.0%), with a low educational level (43.0%), and black (89.5%). Nearly half of the mothers reported not having a steady sexual partner (42.5%). About a quarter attended less than six prenatal appointments (27.5%). Nearly half did not treat the disease adequately during pregnancy (24.5%). The diagnosis of congenital syphilis was confirmed for 116 children. The following factors were associated with the diagnostic confirmation after multiple analyses: low maternal educational level (PR 1.30; 95%CI 1.05-1.60), maternal risky sexual behavior (PR 1.34; 95%CI 1.07-1.66), inadequate treatment of the mother (PR 3.16; 95%CI 2.42-4.47), and lack of treatment of the partner (PR 1.44; 95%CI 1,18-1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Syphilis remains a major challenge. The results highlight the social inequities associated with congenital syphilis and the lack of proper management of pregnant women and their partners.

Maternal and perinatal risk factors associated with congenital syphilis

OBJECTIVE

Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis remains an important global public health problem. Untreated intrauterine infection may result in adverse events for the fetus or newborn (NB). Maternal risk factors, such as prenatal care, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, significantly impact the likelihood of vertical transmission of syphilis. The purpose of this review is to evaluate maternal risk factors for congenital syphilis and the characteristics of exposed NB.

METHODS

A total of 14 studies were evaluated, including 8 cohort studies, 4 cross-sectional and 2 control cases. A total of 12,230 women were included, with confirmed or highly probable congenital syphilis outcome, and 2285 NB. The studies evaluated risk factors for congenital syphilis, which were maternal, demographic, obstetric factors and characteristics of the exposed NB.

RESULTS

Included in the risk factors studied, inadequate prenatal care and late onset, as well as inadequate or late treatment of maternal syphilis were significant risk factors for the outcome of congenital syphilis. When the time set of maternal diagnosis was correlated with neonatal infection, there was a tendency to worsen prognosis (more infected NB) in women diagnosed later in pregnancy, as well as in women who underwent few prenatal consultations and inadequate treatment. Women with recent syphilis with high VDRL titres had a higher rate of vertical transmission. The prior history of syphilis with adequate treatment was identified as a protective factor, resulting in lower rates of congenital syphilis. Among the epidemiological and demographic aspects surveyed, it was observed that young age, lower schooling, unemployment, low family income and no fixed residence were associated with higher risk of congenital syphilis.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of syphilis with adverse socio-economic conditions and inadequate prenatal care suggests that the improvement of the population's living conditions and equitable access to quality health services may have an impact on the reduction of congenital syphilis.

Treatment Completion With Three-Dose Series of Benzathine Penicillin Among People Diagnosed With Late Latent and Unknown Duration Syphilis, Maricopa County, Arizona

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is a public health concern as cases are rising each year. If untreated, syphilis is associated with significant morbidity and risk of vertical transmission during pregnancy. For people with late latent and unknown duration stages, 3 injections of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) at 1-week intervals are recommended. Our study quantified treatment for people diagnosed with late latent and unknown duration syphilis in Maricopa County, Arizona with a secondary analysis of pregnant women to assess completion of 3 injections of BPG in multiple time intervals.

METHODS

Maricopa County syphilis case data were extracted from the state-run database (PRISM). Records were reviewed for people with late latent and unknown duration syphilis during January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. Treatment types and time intervals between treatments were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 14,924 people with syphilis reported in Maricopa County, 5372 (36.0%) were staged as late latent or unknown duration syphilis. Completion of 3 BPG injections in the time frame of 7 to 9 days was 42.9% (n = 2302). Completion among pregnant women (n = 406) with 3 injections was 68.7% (n = 279).

CONCLUSIONS

The completion rate of 3 BPG injections for people with late latent or unknown duration syphilis is low. An unmet need exists to identify barriers to treatment including access to BPG and public health follow-up after the first injection. Prioritized effort is needed to identify and classify patients as having earlier stages of syphilis that require only 1 BPG injection.

Risk factors for perinatal death in high-risk pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Curitiba-PR, Brazil: a case-control study

A case-control study was carried out to estimate risk factors for perinatal mortality in a referral hospital for high-risk pregnancies in Curitiba-PR. Sociodemographic, maternal, pregnancy and concept characteristics data were obtained from the hospital records of 316 cases and 316 controls from 2013 to 2017. A hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, remaining in the final model variables with p < 0.05. The results show an increased risk of perinatal death in mothers with blood type B (OR = 2.82; 95%CI: 1.07-7.43), who did not undergo prenatal care (OR = 30.78; 95%CI: 4.23-224.29), fetuses with congenital malformations (OR = 63.90; 95%CI: 27.32-149.48), born under 28 (OR = 24.21; 95%CI: 1, 10-531.81) and between 28-31 weeks of gestation (OR = 6.03; 95%CI: 1.34-27.17) and birth weight below 1,000g (OR = 51.94; 95%CI: 4.31-626.46), between 1,000-1,499g (OR = 11.17; 95%CI: 2.29-54.41) and between 1,500-2,499g (OR = 2.75; 25-6.06). Concepts of pregnancies with premature outcome, low birth weight and the presence of congenital malformations are the main risk factors for perinatal death. On the other hand, adequate prenatal care is an important protective factor.

Immunization with Tp0954, an adhesin of Treponema pallidum, provides protective efficacy in the rabbit model of experimental syphilis

Syphilis, a chronic multisystemic disease caused by spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum infection, continues to be a serious global health problem and congenital syphilis remains a major cause of adverse outcomes in pregnancy in developing countries. The development of an effective vaccine is the most cost-effective way to eliminate syphilis, but so far has been elusive. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Tp0954, a T. pallidum placental adhesin, as a potential vaccine candidate in a New Zealand White rabbit model of experimental syphilis. Animals immunized with recombinant Tp0954 (rTp0954) produced high titers of Tp0954-specific serum IgG, high levels of IFN-γ from splenocytes and specific splenocyte proliferation response when compared to control animals immunized with PBS and Freund’s adjuvant (FA). Furthermore, rTp0954 immunization significantly delayed the development of cutaneous lesions, promoted inflammatory cellular infiltration at the primary lesion sites, as well as inhibited T. pallidum dissemination to distal tissues or organs when compared with that of the control animals. In addition, the naïve rabbits receiving popliteal lymph nodes from Tp0954-immunized, T. pallidum-challenged animals were not infected by T. pallidum, confirming sterile immunity. These findings suggest that Tp0954 is a potential vaccine candidate against syphilis.

Point-of-Care Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Improves HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation in Pregnant Women in Antenatal Care in Cape Town, South Africa, 2019 to 2021

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs present a platform for diagnostic STI testing in low- and middle-income countries, and availability of targeted STI testing has been hypothesized to influence PrEP use. We evaluated the association of STI testing modality and PrEP uptake among pregnant women in antenatal care.

Methods

We enrolled pregnant, HIV-uninfected women (≥16 years) at their first antenatal visit with follow-up through 12 months postpartum. Women were offered oral PrEP and tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) using a point-of-care (Cepheid, August 2019–November 2020) or laboratory-based (Thermofisher, December 2020–October 2021) test. We compared the proportion of women initiating and continuing PrEP by STI test adjusting for confounders.

Results

We evaluated 1194 women (median age=26 years [IQR:22–31]) with a STI result (46% POC and 54% laboratory-based). The prevalence of any STI was the same in POC-tested (28%) and laboratory-tested (28%) women — 25% versus 23% for CT (p-value=0.35) and 7% versus 9% for NG (p-value=0.11). Mean time from testing to result was 0 for POC and 26 days for laboratory testing and mean time from testing to treatment was 3 for POC and 38 days for laboratory testing. Receiving a POC STI test was associated with higher PrEP initiation compared to women receiving a laboratory-based test (90% versus 78%; adjusted odds ratio=2.1; 95% CI:1.5–2.9), controlling for age, gravidity, STI diagnosis, intimate partner violence, gestational age, employment, HIV risk perception, and cohabiting status.

Conclusion

POC STI testing, offering same-day results and treatment initiation, may increase PrEP initiation among pregnant women in antenatal care.

A study of HIV-uninfected pregnant women in South Africa found that women offered point-of-care STI testing had a higher odds of initiating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis than women offered laboratory-based testing.

Sífilis gestacional e congênita: experiência de mulheres na ótica do Interacionismo Simbólico

RESUMO Objetivos: compreender o significado atribuído pelas mulheres ao diagnóstico de sífilis e sífilis congênita, ao tratamento e acompanhamento ambulatorial da criança. Métodos: estudo qualitativo conduzido com 30 mães de crianças com sífilis congênita, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, audiogravadas e submetidas a Análise Temática Indutiva. Adotou-se, por referencial teórico, o Interacionismo Simbólico. Resultados: dois temas emergiram e revelaram que o diagnóstico materno foi permeado por choque, culpa e medo da exclusão social, além de frustração ante o insucesso em evitar a transmissão vertical. Ainda, os procedimentos clínicos dolorosos para tratamento da criança potencializaram a culpa materna, e o processo simbólico de ressignificação da doença/tratamento aconteceu com a cura da criança. Considerações Finais: a compreensão dos aspectos intersubjetivos envolvidos nessa experiência instrumentaliza o enfermeiro para repensar sua prática assistencial e contribui para seu maior protagonismo no contexto da sífilis.

Congenital syphilis in a preterm newborn with gastrointestinal disorders and postnatal growth restriction

BACKGROUND

Congenital syphilis (CS) depends on the placental transmission of Treponema pallidum (TP) spirochetes from an infected mother to fetus during pregnancy. It shows a wide clinical variability with cutaneous and visceral manifestations, including stillbirths, neonatal death, and asymptomatic cases. Preterm infants with CS may have more severe features of disease than the term ones, due to the combined pathogenic effect of both CS and prematurity.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report on a female preterm (32⁺⁶ weeks of gestation) newborn showing most of the typical CS manifestations, in addition to gastrointestinal disorders including feeding difficulties, colon stenosis and malabsorption leading to postnatal growth restriction. The mother resulted positive at the syphilis screening test of the first trimester of pregnancy, but she did not undergo any treatment. At birth, our newborn was VDRL positive (antibody titer four times higher compared to the mother), and she was treated with intravenous benzathine benzylpenicillin G for 10 days (50,000 IU/Kg three times per day). Poor tolerance to enteral nutrition (abdominal distension, increased biliary type gastric secretions) was observed. A barium enema X-Ray identified a colon stenosis within the descending tract. However, the poor general conditions due to a concurrent fungal sepsis did not allow to perform any surgical procedure, and a conservative approach with total parenteral nutrition was started. The following evolution was marked by difficulties in enteral feeding including refusal of food and vomiting, to which also contributed the neurological abnormalities related to a perinatal asphyxia, and the affective deprivation for the physical absence of the mother during hospitalization. At 5 months of age, after the introduction of an amino acid-based formula (Neocate LCP Nutricia ®), an improvement of enteral feeding was observed, with no further and significantly decreased episodes of abdominal distension and vomiting respectively, and regular stool emission. A psychological support offered to the family allowed a more stable bond between the mother and her baby, thus providing a significant additional benefit to food tolerance and growth. She was discharged at 5 months of age, and included in a multidisciplinary follow-up. She at present shows global growth delay, and normal development apart from mildly increased tone of lower limbs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report highlights less common clinical CS manifestations like gastrointestinal disorders including feeding difficulties, colon stenosis and malabsorption leading to postnatal growth delay. Moreover, it underlines how prematurity may worsen the clinical evolution of such congenital infection, due to the additional pathogenic effect of possible associated diseases and/or conditions like sepsis, hypoxic/ischemic injury, or use of drugs. CS may be observed also in high-income countries, with high rates of antenatal screening and availability of prenatal treatment. A multidisciplinary network must be guaranteed to the affected subjects, to ensure adequate care and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis: women's experiences from the perspective of symbolic interactionism

OBJECTIVES

to understand the meanings attributed by women to the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis and congenital syphilis, and to outpatient follow-up of their children.

METHODS

this is a qualitative study conducted with 30 mothers of children with congenital syphilis using audio-recorded semi-structured interviews, which were submitted to inductive thematic analysis. Symbolic interactionism was the theoretical framework considered in this study.

RESULTS

two themes were identified, showing the maternal diagnosis involved shock, guilt, and fear of social exclusion, in addition to frustration due to failure to prevent vertical transmission. Moreover, the painful clinical procedures for the child's treatment enhanced maternal guilt, and the symbolic process of re-signification of the disease/treatment took place with the child's healing.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

understanding the intersubjective aspects involved in this experience helps nurses rethink their care practice and contributes to their critical role in the context of syphilis.

Time to healthcare seeking following the onset of symptoms among men and women attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia

BACKGROUND

Timely diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) underpin their control by reducing the duration of infectiousness. There are currently limited data exploring healthcare seeking among individuals with STI symptoms.

METHODS

We analyzed data on individuals reporting STI symptoms at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) between August 2017 and December 2020. We calculated the time between symptom onset and clinic attendance by risk group for 13 STI diagnoses. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to explore factors associated with delayed healthcare seeking (greater than 7 days).

RESULTS

Among 7,032 symptomatic clinic attendances, the shortest time to healthcare seeking was among individuals diagnosed with gonococcal urethritis (median 3 days), and the longest was among individuals diagnosed with genital warts (median 60 days). Individuals diagnosed with gonococcal urethritis sought care earlier than individuals diagnosed with non-gonococcal urethritis (median 3 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001), and individuals diagnosed with genital herpes sought care earlier than individuals diagnosed with primary syphilis (median 4 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001). Men who have sex with men, and men taking human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), were least likely to delay healthcare seeking. Both men and women who delayed healthcare seeking were more likely to live further from the clinic than those who did not delay their presentation [p trend < 0.001 (men) and p trend = 0.049 (women)].

CONCLUSION

Improved local access to healthcare alongside targeted strategies to encourage early healthcare seeking among groups at increased likelihood of delay may reduce STI-associated morbidity and transmission.

Multilocus sequence typing of Treponema pallidum pallidum in children with acquired syphilis by nonsexual contact

Background: There are scarce data of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) characterization in children with syphilis. Nonsexually acquired transmission (NSAT) of TPA is possible in infants through close contact. Methods: A descriptive study in five families with NSAT of syphilis was conducted. Polymerase chain reaction detection of TPA in pediatric index cases (n = 6) and their relatives (n = 44) were conducted followed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results: TPA was detected in swab samples in 16 cases and 12 were characterized by MLST. Nichols lineage was identified in two of five families and SS14-lineage in three of five. In four families, MLST profiles linked index cases to relatives. Conclusion: This is the first report of TPA characterization in children infected by NSAT.

Congenital syphilis confirmed by PCR as a result of treatment failure for syphilis in pregnancy. Case report

Introduction: Congenital syphilis is a major public health problem, and early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent it. Penicillin G benzathine is the treatment of choice in pregnant women; however, it may fail to prevent fetal infection, as in the present case. Case presentation: Male newborn, son of an HIV negative mother with gestational syphilis (venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) 1:4 dilution, positive treponemal test) diagnosed at week 21 of gestation and treated with three doses of 2 400 000 IU of penicillin G benzathine. At delivery, the mother presented VDRL 1:1 dilution. The newborn was diagnosed with congenital syphilis due to VDRL 1:4 dilution, positive treponemal test, elevated aspartate aminotransferases, hyposthenuria, proteinuria, hematuria, and leukocyturia that resolved after treatment with crystalline penicillin for 10 days. The molecular testing in blood showed a high treponemal load. The VDRL test at 3 months was non-reactive. Conclusions: Preventing congenital syphilis with the recommended treatment for gestational syphilis may fail. Moreover, diagnosing this condition in an asymptomatic newborn is difficult. Therefore, clinical and serological tests are recommended to confirm whether maternal treatment was effective in the fetus.

Early congenital syphilis: missed opportunities in a mother owing to many problems during pregnancy - a case report

Untreated syphilis in pregnancy can result in an adverse outcome for the fetus. A multigravida woman with a previously poor obstetric history of early neonatal death, abortion and stillbirth was admitted in labour in the 7th month of pregnancy. On admission, syphilis screening with the qualitative rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test was negative. The infant had macules on the chest, abdomen and extremities, desquamating bullous skin lesions on the palms and soles, bilateral cataracts, an enlarged liver and spleen, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. A quantitative RPR test in the infant was positive in a 1:64 dilution and was subsequently positive in the mother in a 1:16 dilution after congenital syphilis was diagnosed. The mother later reported the father's high-risk behaviour and her previous visits to healthcare facilities for genital ulcers. The quantitative RPR test in the father was positive in a 1:32 dilution, and the parents and infant were treated for syphilis. The case demonstrates the importance of timely identification of high-risk pregnant women, early screening, repetition of the non-treponemal test on diluted serum when a routine screening test is negative, proper advice from the laboratory regarding selection of the most appropriate tests, and screening with the treponemal test first (reverse) algorithm utilising an automated enzyme immunoassay/chemiluminescence assay for the initial screening in high-risk cases, even in resource-limited settings to prevent a missed diagnosis.Abbreviations: ANC, antenatal care; BPG, benzathine penicillin G; CS, congenital syphilis; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; CIA, chemiluminescence assay; EIA, enzyme immunoassay; HIC: high-income countries; IgM, immunoglobulin M; LMIC, low- and middle-income countries; MTCT: mother-to-child transmission; NTT, non-treponemal test; POC, point of care; RPR, rapid plasma reagin; RST, rapid syphilis test; STI, sexually transmitted infections; TT, treponemal test; TPHA, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay; VDRL, venereal disease research laboratory; WHO, World Health Organization.

Characteristics of Pregnant Women with Syphilis and Factors Associated with Congenital Syphilis at a Chicago Hospital

Background

Congenital syphilis incidence has more than tripled in recent years, in parallel with the resurgence of syphilis among reproductive-aged women. An understanding of risk factors associated with maternal syphilis infection can guide prevention of congenital syphilis through prenatal diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to describe factors associated with maternal syphilis and congenital syphilis at a public medical center in Chicago, Illinois.

Methods

Maternal syphilis diagnoses were identified using a database for local health department reporting. Medical records were reviewed for infant congenital syphilis diagnoses, sociodemographic information, medical history, and other behavioral factors. Maternal characteristics associated with congenital syphilis were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Of 106 maternal syphilis diagnoses between 2014 and 2018, 76 (72%) had a known pregnancy outcome; of these, 8 (11%) delivered an infant with congenital syphilis. Women with psychiatric illness and noninjection substance use each had a >5-fold increased odds of having an infant with congenital syphilis. Cases with congenital syphilis were more likely to have late or scant prenatal care and initiated treatment nearly 3 months later in pregnancy. None were human immunodeficiency virus positive or reported incarceration, intravenous substance use, sex work, or having sex with men who have sex with men.

Conclusions

Maternal psychiatric illness and substance use may have complicated prenatal care and delayed syphilis treatment, describing a population in need of public health intervention. Women experiencing such barriers to care may benefit from closer follow-up after a prenatal syphilis diagnosis to prevent congenital transmission.

Predicting Emergence of Primary and Secondary Syphilis Among Women of Reproductive Age in US Counties

BACKGROUND

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause severe congenital disease when not treated during pregnancy, is on the rise in the United States. Our objective was to identify US counties with elevated risk for emergence of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among women of reproductive age.

METHODS

Using syphilis case reports, we identified counties with no cases of P&S syphilis among women of reproductive age in 2017 and 1 case or more in 2018. Using county-level syphilis and sociodemographic data, we developed a model to predict counties with emergence of P&S syphilis among women and a risk score to identify counties at elevated risk.

RESULTS

Of 2451 counties with no cases of P&S syphilis among women of reproductive age in 2017, 345 counties (14.1%) had documented emergence of syphilis in 2018. Emergence was predicted by the county's P&S syphilis rate among men; violent crime rate; proportions of Black, White, Asian, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander persons; urbanicity; presence of a metropolitan area; population size; and having a neighboring county with P&S syphilis among women. A risk score of 20 or more identified 75% of counties with emergence.

CONCLUSIONS

Jurisdictions can identify counties at elevated risk for emergence of syphilis in women and tailor prevention efforts. Prevention of syphilis requires multidisciplinary collaboration to address underlying social factors.

Estudio ecológico de la sífilis gestacional y congénita en Colombia, 2012-2018

Objetivos: Describir el comportamiento de la sífilis gestacional y congénita en Colombia, entre el 2012 y 2018, a partir de registro de notificación Nacional. Metodología: Estudio ecológico, exploratorio a partir de Notificaciones al sistema de vigilancia de salud Pública. Se estimaron la tasa de incidencia y la razón de prevalencia para cada departamento. Se establecieron cada una las estimaciones según rangos, para los 33 departamentos evaluados y se expresaron en mapas a escala de grises según tasas y razones evaluadas. Además, se presentan curvas epidemiológicas por semanas notificación para sífilis gestacional y congénita. Resultados. Arauca, Santander, Cesar y Caldas, presentaron el mayor incremento entre 2012 y 2018 para sífilis gestacional. Para el mismo periodo, Santander, Casanare y Amazonas presentaron un aumento para sífilis Congénita, mientras que en los demás departamentos se evidenció una disminución en los eventos. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el reporte de casos entre un año y otro, para el país, en ambos eventos (p< 0,001). Conclusiones. En Colombia se encontró un aumento de sífilis gestacional, mientras, para sífilis congénita existió variabilidad con tendencia a aumentar en los últimos años.

Reactive treponemal and non-treponemal tests in pregnant women and associated factors

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the rate of reactive treponemal and non-treponemal tests in pregnant women during childbirth and to analyze the factors associated with this seroreactivity. Method: this is a cross-sectional, quantitative study with secondary sources of sociodemographic and clinical data on 2,626 pregnant women treated at a public maternity hospital in the interior of São Paulo, in 2020. For statistical analysis, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney test and the logistic regression model were used. A difference of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: the rate of seropositivity for syphilis among pregnant women in this series was 2.74%. Among the groups with positive and non-reactive tests, marital status, occupation, place of residence and use of licit drugs indicated significant differences, but, in the final model, only unmarried marital status was associated with reactive tests (Odds Ratio: 0.169; Confidence Interval: 0.04–0.72; and p: 0.016). Conclusion: in this study, unmarried marital status was the only independent factor associated with seroreactivity for syphilis. Therefore, it is necessary to create strategies aimed at women in this condition, potentially reducing the rate of congenital syphilis.

Testes treponêmicos e não treponêmicos reagentes em gestantes e fatores associados

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a taxa de testes treponêmicos e não treponêmicos reagentes em gestantes no período do parto e analisar os fatores associados a essa sororreatividade. Método: estudo transversal, quantitativo, com fontes secundárias de dados sociodemográficos e clínicos de 2.626 gestantes atendidas em uma maternidade pública do interior paulista, em 2020. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados os Testes Exato de Fisher, de Mann-Whitney e o modelo de regressão logística. Considerou-se diferença com significância estatística valores de p < 0,05. Resultados: a taxa de soropositividade para sífilis entre gestantes nesta casuística foi de 2,74%. Entre os grupos com testes reagentes e não reagentes à situação maritária, ocupação, local da residência e uso de drogas lícitas indicaram diferenças significantes, mas, no modelo final, apenas a situação marital não casada apresentou associação com os testes reagentes (Odds Ratio: 0,169; Intervalo de Confiança: 0,04–0,72; e p: 0,016). Conclusão neste estudo, a situação maritária não casada foi o único fator independente associado à sororreatividade para a sífilis. Por isso, faz-se necessária a criação de estratégias voltadas para mulheres nessa condição, potencialmente reduzindo a taxa de sífilis congênita.

The Clinical Characteristics and Serological Outcomes of Infants With Confirmed or Suspected Congenital Syphilis in Shanghai, China: A Hospital-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Congenital syphilis (CS) is the infection of an infant or fetus with Treponema pallidum. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of serology reversion in infants diagnosed with confirmed or suspected congenital syphilis (CS).

METHODS

Infants admitted to the neonatal department of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from 2013 to 2016 who met the case definition of CS or suspected CS were included in this study. Follow-up was performed in an outpatient clinic until reversion to non-reactivity of both toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) and Treponemal pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA). Follow-up data were collected until up to the end of 2019, when the last infant with CS reached 3 years of age.

RESULTS

In total, 682 infants were enrolled in this study, including 63 in the CS group and 619 in the suspected CS group. Forty-seven infants (74.6%) in the CS group had symptoms, and 57 (90.5%) had abnormal laboratory and/or long bone X-ray findings. By 6 months of age, TRUST results were negative in 53.3% of the infants with CS and in 100% of the infants with suspected CS. All the infants in the CS group returned to TRUST non-reactivity by 18 months of age. The TPPA results at 18 months of age showed that only 10.0% (3/30) of the patients in the CS group returned to non-reactivity, while a 99.6% (548/550) non-reactivity rate was observed in the suspected CS group. All the infants in the CS group returned to 19S-IgM-TPPA non-reactivity by 6 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Although CS is an burdensome disease that may cause fetal and neonatal death, CS responds well to treatment when diagnosed and treated promptly, even when symptoms or lab/X-ray findings are present at birth.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), a challenging form of nephrotic syndrome, is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Extensive leakage of plasma proteins is the main feature of CNS. Patients can be diagnosed in utero or during the first few weeks of life, usually before three months. The etiology of CNS can be related to either genetic or nongenetic etiologies. Pathogenic variants in NPHS1, NPHS2, LAMB2, WT1, and PLCE1 genes have been implicated in this disease. The clinical course is complicated by significant edema, infections, thrombosis, hypothyroidism, failure to thrive, and others. Obtaining vascular access, frequent intravenous albumin infusions, diuretic use, infection prevention, and nutritional support are the mainstay management during their first month of life. The best therapy for these patients is kidney transplantation. CNS diagnosis and treatment continue to be a challenge for clinicians. This review increases the awareness about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of CNS patients.

Skeletal manifestations of congenital syphilis: Rare but clinically relevant

Congenital syphilis occurs as a result of maternal transmission of treponema pallidum in utero. This condition is mainly diagnosed by treponemal and non-treponemal serologic tests. However, both maternal nontreponemal and treponemal IgG antibodies can be transferred through the placenta to the fetus, thus complicating its interpretation soon after birth. We report a case of a neonate with congenital syphilis whose mother became infected after the first trimester of pregnancy. We report how skeletal radiographs expedite the clinical decision-making process and direct further management of neonates. This case also highlights the need for repeated syphilis screening in the latter part of pregnancy.

Trend analysis of clinical aspects of congenital syphilis in Brazil, 2009-2018

INTRODUCTION

Congenital syphilis is caused by the vertical transmission of bacteria, Treponema pallidum, from nontreated or inappropriately treated pregnant to the fetus.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical aspects of Congenital syphilis in Brazil, between 2009-2018.

METHOD

It is an analytical cross-sectional study whose data were collected from the Department of Chronical Conditions and Sexually Transmitted Infections of Brazilian Health Ministry. Clinical variables were analyzed using the software Joinpoint Regression, which makes a segmented linear regression.

RESULTS

In the study period, 156,969 cases of Congenital syphilis and 1642 deaths by this disease were reported. The trend analysis indicates growing in diagnosis of maternal syphilis during prenatal care, appropriate treatment of pregnant, realization of prenatal care, maternal partner treatment, diagnosis of syphilis in children under seven days, and diagnosis of recent syphilis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the trend analysis presents relative improvement in Congenital syphilis panorama in Brazil, the disease still related to high numbers of evitable perinatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the prenatal assistance with quality is fundamental to have a possible change in this field in the country.

The first case of congenital syphilis diagnosed by 16S ribosome-RNA gene sequence analysis

Syphilis infection during pregnancy causes perinatal complications and mother-to-child transmission if untreated. A newborn was delivered by emergent cesarean section due to non-reassuring fetal status at 34 weeks of gestation. The mother tested negative for rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) in early pregnancy. The newborn had a severe inflammatory reaction, thrombocytopenia, and elevated IgM as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis of the amniotic fluid detected Treponema pallidum. The newborn tested positive for RPR, TPHA, and IgM fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption in the blood, and thus, congenital syphilis was diagnosed. This is the first case that 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the amniotic fluid led to an early diagnosis of congenital syphilis in a newborn. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing may be a useful method for the early detection of the primary causative microbe of congenital infection.

Congenital syphilis associated with hearing screening failure in southern Brazilian newborns

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the association between congenital syphilis and neonatal hearing screening failure in the state of Santa Catarina between 2017 and 2019.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical study with secondary data of neonates from the state of Santa Catarina born between January 2017 and December 2019. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the association between the main exposure (congenital syphilis) and the study outcome (failure in the Neonatal Hearing Screening).

RESULTS

The study included 21,434 newborns evaluated in a Brazilian hearing health care service. A total of 351 (1.6%) newborns failed the Neonatal Hearing Screening, and 364 (1.7%) had congenital syphilis. In the adjusted analysis, newborns with congenital syphilis were 3.25 times as likely to fail the Neonatal Hearing Screening as neonates without this disease (95% CI: 2.01; 5.26). As for maternal age, the sample had a higher prevalence (53.5%) of mothers aged 20-29 years.

CONCLUSION

There was an association between congenital syphilis and failure in Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening in the sample studied. There is a need for investments in public policies to value and strengthen the hearing screening program in the state to provide early diagnosis and intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.