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Hakizimana T, Muhumuza J, Selamo FM, Ishimwe MPS, Kajabwangu R, Jelle OM, Muhumuza J, Kiyaka SM, Nyakato S, Fajardo Y. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Syphilis among Mothers with Missed Opportunities for Antenatal Syphilis Testing in Rural Western Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Reprod Med 2023; 2023:2971065. [PMID: 37664641 PMCID: PMC10471452 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2971065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early prenatal syphilis testing and treatment are essential preventative measures for maternal syphilis and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes of pregnancy; however, data shows that two-thirds of all cases are missed among women who visit prenatal care center at least once but are not tested for syphilis. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis infection among mothers with missed opportunities for antenatal syphilis testing in rural western Uganda delivered at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FRRH). Methods A cross-sectional study was done during the period from April 2022 to June 2022. A total of 124 participants had been recruited consecutively from postnatal ward of FRRH. Pretested questionnaires were used to obtain information on data required for analysis. Venous blood sampling (2 ml taken from the forearm using anticoagulant free vacutainer) was done for all mothers who missed opportunity for prenatal syphilis testing using both RPR and TPHA. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Results The prevalence of syphilis infection was 27 (21.8%). After adjusted analysis, having more than one sexual partners in the past one year was associated with higher odds of syphilis infection (aOR = 24.922, 95% CI: 4.462-139.201, p < 0.001), and staying with the partner was found to be associated with lower odds of syphilis infection (aOR = 0.213, 95% CI: 0.040-1.142, p = 0.050). Conclusions The study identified high prevalence of syphilis infection among mothers with missed opportunities for antenatal syphilis testing, and this was positively associated with having more than one sexual partners in the past one year and negatively associated with not staying with partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoneste Hakizimana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
| | - Joy Muhumuza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
| | | | | | - Rogers Kajabwangu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
| | - Osman Mohamud Jelle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
| | - Joshua Muhumuza
- Department of Surgery, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
| | - Sonye Magugu Kiyaka
- Department of Surgery, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
| | - Sandra Nyakato
- Department of Laboratory, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole, Uganda
| | - Yarine Fajardo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda
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Hoque M, Hoque ME, van Hal G, Buckus S. Prevalence, incidence and seroconversion of HIV and Syphilis infections among pregnant women of South Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2021; 36:296. [PMID: 34917677 PMCID: PMC8661397 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnant women in South Africa suffer from HIV and syphilis infections resulting in negative pregnancy outcomes. Little is known about the prevalence, incidence, seroconversion, and associated risk factors for those attending a midwife run obstetric unit. Methods A retrospective cohort study was undertaken among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic from January to December 2018. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors for HIV and syphilis. Results The prevalence of HIV and syphilis were 44.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 41.6:46.7) and 3.8% (95% CI; 3.1:4.1), respectively. The seroconversion and incidence for HIV were 4.0% (95% CI; 3.6:4.6) and 17.1 per 100 person-years, and for syphilis 2.6% (95% CI; 2.3:2.8) and 10.9 per 100 person-years, respectively. Significant predictors for HIV prevalence were ages: ages < 20 years, Odds ratio (OR) = 0.11 (p < 0.05), ages 20–24 years, OR = 0.19 (p < 0.05) and ages 25–29 years, OR = 0.38 (p < 0.05); gestational age: second trimester, OR = 0.68 (p < 0.05) and non-reactive syphilis, OR = 0.45 (p < 0.05). Age was the predictor for HIV incidence or seroconversion (age < 20 year, OR = 0.12, p = 0.01). Predictors for syphilis were ages < 20 years, OR = 0.11 (p < 0.05), ages 20–24 years and HIV status. Gestational age > 27 weeks were nine times (OR = 9.2, p = 0.03) more likely to seroconvert to syphilis. Conclusions The present study found high rates of seroprevalence, seroconversion and incidence of HIV and syphilis among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad E Hoque
- Research Department, Management College of Southern Africa, Durban, South Africa
| | - Guido van Hal
- Department of Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Somaya Buckus
- Kwadabeka Community Health Centre, Durban, South Africa
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Kularatne RS, Niit R, Rowley J, Kufa-Chakezha T, Peters RPH, Taylor MM, Johnson LF, Korenromp EL. Adult gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis prevalence, incidence, treatment and syndromic case reporting in South Africa: Estimates using the Spectrum-STI model, 1990-2017. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205863. [PMID: 30321236 PMCID: PMC6188893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate trends in prevalence and incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia in adult men and women in South Africa. METHODS The Spectrum-STI tool estimated trends in prevalence and incidence of active syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, fitting South African prevalence data. Results were used, alongside programmatic surveillance data, to estimate trends in incident gonorrhea cases resistant to first-line treatment, and the reporting gap of symptomatic male gonorrhea and chlamydia cases treated but not reported as cases of urethritis syndrome. RESULTS In 2017 adult (15-49 years) the estimated female and male prevalences for syphilis were 0.50% (95% CI: 0.32-0.80%) and 0.97% (0.19-2.28%), for gonorrhea 6.6% (3.8-10.8%) and 3.5% (1.7-6.1%), and for chlamydia 14.7% (9.9-21%) and 6.0% (3.8-10.4%), respectively. Between 1990 and 2017 the estimated prevalence of syphilis declined steadily in women and men, probably in part reflecting improved treatment coverage. For gonorrhea and chlamydia, estimated prevalence and incidence showed no consistent time trend in either women or men. Despite growing annual numbers of gonorrhea cases - reflecting population growth - the estimated number of first line treatment-resistant gonorrhea cases did not increase between 2008 and 2017, owing to changes in first-line antimicrobial treatment regimens for gonorrhea in 2008 and 2014/5. Case reporting completeness among treated male urethritis syndrome episodes was estimated at 10-28% in 2017. CONCLUSION South Africa continues to suffer a high STI burden. Improvements in access and quality of maternal, STI and HIV health care services likely contributed to the decline in syphilis prevalence. The lack of any decline in gonorrhea and chlamydia prevalence highlights the need to enhance STI services beyond clinic-based syndromic case management, to reinvigorate primary STI and HIV prevention and, especially for women, to screen for asymptomatic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranmini S. Kularatne
- Centre for HIV & STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ronelle Niit
- Health Information Systems Programme, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jane Rowley
- Independent consultant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tendesayi Kufa-Chakezha
- Centre for HIV & STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Remco P. H. Peters
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Melanie M. Taylor
- World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland
- USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leigh F. Johnson
- University of Cape Town, Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, Cape Town, South Africa
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Egbe TO, Tazinya RMA, Halle-Ekane GE, Egbe EN, Achidi EA. Estimating HIV Incidence during Pregnancy and Knowledge of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission with an Ad Hoc Analysis of Potential Cofactors. J Pregnancy 2016; 2016:7397695. [PMID: 27127653 PMCID: PMC4830744 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7397695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We determined the incidence of HIV seroconversion during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and ad hoc potential cofactors associated with HIV seroconversion after having an HIV-negative result antenatally. We also studied knowledge of PMTCT among pregnant women in seven health facilities in Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon. METHOD During the period between September 12 and December 4, 2011, we recruited a cohort of 477 HIV-negative pregnant women by cluster sampling. Data collection was with a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, knowledge of PMTCT, and methods of HIV prevention were obtained from the study population and we did Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV. RESULTS The incidence rate of HIV seroconversion during pregnancy was 6.8/100 woman-years. Ninety percent of the participants did not use condoms throughout pregnancy but had a good knowledge of PMTCT of HIV. Only 31.9% of participants knew their HIV status before the booking visit and 33% did not know the HIV status of their partners. CONCLUSION The incidence rate of HIV seroconversion in the Fako Division, Cameroon, was 6.8/100 woman-years. No risk factors associated with HIV seroconversion were identified among the study participants because of lack of power to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Obinchemti Egbe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Gregory Edie Halle-Ekane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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Lawi JDT, Mirambo MM, Magoma M, Mushi MF, Jaka HM, Gumodoka B, Mshana SE. Sero-conversion rate of Syphilis and HIV among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Tanzania: a need for re-screening at delivery. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15:3. [PMID: 25613487 PMCID: PMC4307991 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the available cost effective antenatal testing and treatment, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are still among common infections affecting pregnant women especially in developing countries. In Tanzania, pregnant women are tested only once for syphilis and HIV during antenatal clinic (ANC) visits. Therefore, there are missed opportunities for syphilis and HIV screening among those who were not tested during ANC visits and those acquiring infections during the course of pregnancy. This study was designed to determine the syphilis and HIV seroprevalence at delivery and seroconversion rate among pregnant women delivering at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). METHODS A cross sectional, hospital-based study involving pregnant women attending Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) antenatal clinic was done from January to March 2012. Serum samples were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis using HIV and syphilis rapid tests. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized data collection tool and analysed using STATA version 11. RESULTS A total of 331 and 408 women were screened for syphilis and HIV during antenatal respectively. Of 331 women who screened negative for syphilis at ANC, nine (2.7%) were seropositive at delivery while of 391who tested negative for HIV during ANC eight (2%) were found to be positive at delivery. Six (1.8%) and 23 (9%) of women who did not screen for syphilis and HIV at ANC were seropositive for syphilis and HIV at delivery respectively. There was significant difference of seroprevalence for HIV, among women who tested negative at ANC and those who did not test at ANC (2% vs.9%, P,<0.001). The overall prevalence of syphilis and HIV at delivery was 15 (2.3%) and 48 (7.2%) respectively. Syphilis seropositivity at delivery was significantly associated with HIV co-infection (p < 0.001), male partner circumcision (p = 0.011) and alcohol use among women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The current protocol of screening for syphilis and HIV only once during pregnancy as practiced in Tanzania may miss women who get re-infected and seroconvert during pregnancy. Re-screening for syphilis and HIV during the course of pregnancy and at delivery is recommended in Tanzania as it can help to identify such women and institute appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D T Lawi
- Ministry of health and social welfare, Department of Curative services, P.O. Box 9083, Dar esSalaam, Tanzania.
| | - Mariam M Mirambo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Moke Magoma
- Evidence for Action Project, P.O. Box 13731, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Martha F Mushi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Hyasinta M Jaka
- Department of Internal medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Balthazary Gumodoka
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Weill Bugando School of Medicine, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Stephen E Mshana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
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Blencowe H, Cousens S, Kamb M, Berman S, Lawn JE. Lives Saved Tool supplement detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy to reduce syphilis related stillbirths and neonatal mortality. BMC Public Health 2011; 11 Suppl 3:S9. [PMID: 21501460 PMCID: PMC3231915 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-s3-s9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally syphilis is an important yet preventable cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES This review sought to estimate the effect of detection and treatment of active syphilis in pregnancy with at least 2.4 MU benzathine penicillin (or equivalent) on syphilis-related stillbirths and neonatal mortality. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Data were abstracted into standardised tables and the quality of evidence was assessed using adapted GRADE criteria. Where appropriate, meta-analyses were undertaken. RESULTS Moderate quality evidence (3 studies) supports a reduction in the incidence of clinical congenital syphilis of 97% (95% c.i 93 - 98%) with detection and treatment of women with active syphilis in pregnancy with at least 2.4 MU penicillin. The results of meta-analyses suggest that treatment with penicillin is associated with an 82% reduction in stillbirth (95% c.i. 67 - 90%) (8 studies), a 64% reduction in preterm delivery (95% c.i. 53 - 73%) (7 studies) and an 80% reduction in neonatal deaths (95% c.i. 68 - 87%) (5 studies). Although these effect estimates were large and remarkably consistent across studies, few of the studies adjusted for potential confounding factors and thus the overall quality of the evidence was considered low. However, given these large observed effects and a clear biological mechanism for effectiveness the GRADE recommendation is strong. CONCLUSION Detection and appropriate, timely penicillin treatment is a highly effective intervention to reduce adverse syphilis-related pregnancy outcomes. More research is required to identify the most cost-effective strategies for achieving maximum coverage of screening for all pregnant women, and access to treatment if required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Cousens
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mary Kamb
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Stuart Berman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Joy E Lawn
- Saving Newborn Lives/Save the Children-USA, South Africa
- Health Systems Strengthening Unit, Medical Research Council, South Africa
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Johnson LF, Coetzee DJ, Dorrington RE. Sentinel surveillance of sexually transmitted infections in South Africa: a review. Sex Transm Infect 2005; 81:287-93. [PMID: 16061532 PMCID: PMC1745020 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2004.013904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review studies of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence in South Africa between 1985 and 2003 in selected sentinel populations. To examine how STI prevalence varies between populations and to identify the limitations of the existing data. METHODS Studies of the prevalence of syphilis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) were considered. Results were included if they related to women attending antenatal clinics or family planning clinics, commercial sex workers, individuals in the general population (household surveys), patients with STIs, patients with genital ulcer disease (GUD), or men with urethritis. RESULTS High STI prevalence rates have been measured, particularly in the case of HSV-2, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. The aetiological profile of GUD appears to be changing, with more GUD caused by HSV-2 and less caused by chancroid. The prevalence of gonorrhoea and syphilis is highest in "high risk" groups such as sex workers and attenders of STI clinics, but chlamydia and trichomoniasis prevalence levels are not significantly higher in these groups than in women attending antenatal clinics. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of STIs in South Africa is high, although there is extensive variability between regions. There is a need for STI prevalence data that are more nationally representative and that can be used to monitor prevalence trends more reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Johnson
- Centre for Actuarial Research, 10 University Avenue, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital syphilis is an increasing problem in many developing countries and in the transitional economies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In several countries this increase has been aggravated by HIV/AIDS. While the effectiveness of penicillin in the treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and the prevention of congenital syphilis was established shortly after the introduction of penicillin in the 1940s, there is uncertainty about the optimal treatment regimens. OBJECTIVES To identify the most effective antibiotic treatment regimen (in terms of dose, length of course and mode of administration) of syphilis with and without concomitant infection with HIV for pregnant women infected with syphilis. SEARCH STRATEGY MEDLINE 1966 to March 2000; EMBASE 1974 to March 2000, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (last searched March 2001), the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth group trials register (last searched March 2001) and the references of traditional reviews were searched. Experts in specialist units were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA It was planned that any trial in which an attempt is made to allocate treatment for syphilis during pregnancy by a random or quasi-random method would be included in this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Information was extracted using a data extraction sheet and this included entry criteria, the source of controls, and whether the authors stratified by the stage of pregnancy when the diagnosis of syphilis was made. MAIN RESULTS Twenty six studies met the criteria for detailed scrutiny. However, none of these met the pre-determined criteria for comparative groups and none included comparisons between randomly allocated groups of pregnant women. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS While there is no doubt that penicillin is effective in the treatment of syphilis in pregnancy and the prevention of congenital syphilis, uncertainty remains about what are the optimal treatment regimens. Further studies are needed to evaluate treatment failure cases with currently recommended regimens and this should include an assessment of the role of HIV infection in cases of prenatal syphilis treatment failure. The effectiveness of various antibiotic regimens for the treatment of primary and secondary syphilis in pregnant women need to be assessed using randomised controlled trials which compare them with existing recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Walker
- UNFPA Country Technical Services Team for Europe and Central Asia, Grosslingova 35, Bratislava, Slovakia, 811 09.
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Temmerman M, Gichangi P, Fonck K, Apers L, Claeys P, Van Renterghem L, Kiragu D, Karanja G, Ndinya-Achola J, Bwayo J. Effect of a syphilis control programme on pregnancy outcome in Nairobi, Kenya. Sex Transm Infect 2000; 76:117-21. [PMID: 10858713 PMCID: PMC1758283 DOI: 10.1136/sti.76.2.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of a syphilis control programme of pregnant women on pregnancy outcome in Kenya. METHOD Women who came to deliver to Pumwani Maternity Hospital (PMH) between April 1997 and March 1998 were tested for syphilis. Reactive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests were titrated and confirmed with treponema haemagglutination test (TPHA). Equal numbers of RPR and TPHA negative women were enrolled. Antenatal syphilis screening and treatment history were examined from the antenatal cards. RESULTS Of 22,466 women giving birth, 12,414 (55%) were tested for syphilis. Out of these, 377 (3%) were RPR reactive of whom 296 were confirmed by TPHA. Syphilis sero-reactive women had a more risky sexual behaviour and coexistent HIV antibody positivity; 26% were HIV seropositive compared with 11% among syphilis negative mothers. The incidence of adverse obstetric outcome defined as low birth weight and stillbirth, was 9.5%. Syphilis seropositive women had a higher risk for adverse obstetric outcome (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.4-7.2). Antenatal treatment of RPR reactive women significantly improved pregnancy outcome but the risk of adverse outcome remained 2.5-fold higher than the risk observed in uninfected mothers. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm the adverse effect of syphilis on pregnancy outcome. This study also shows the efficacy of antenatal testing and prompt treatment of RPR reactive mothers on pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Temmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghent, Belgium.
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