Epidemiological profile of children under investigation for congenital syphilis at a university pediatric outpatient clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis, a curable bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, congenitally, or via blood transfusion, has witnessed an increased incidence in Brazil over the past decade. In pregnant women, this infection can jeopardize the fetus's life or lead to clinical repercussions later on. This underscores the importance of referring newborns born to mothers diagnosed during pregnancy for specialized care. Consequently, congenital syphilis poses a threat to reproductive and child health maintenance, making it valuable to delineate the profile of affected patients for a better understanding of the disease's behavior. Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological profile of children under investigation for congenital syphilis at a University Pediatric Outpatient Clinic. Method: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study analyzing medical records of patients treated by Pediatric Infectious Disease specialists at a University Outpatient Clinic between July 2020 and May 2023. Results: Among the 60 mother-newborn pairs included, the most commonly used diagnostic test was the non-treponemal test, with titers equal to or less than 1:8 also correlating with the transmission of congenital syphilis. Additionally, 20% of pregnant women attended fewer than 6 prenatal visits, and 10% did not receive treatment during pregnancy. Furthermore, 55% of the children exhibited clinical manifestations, with 18% being premature, 23% having low birth weight, and 47% diagnosed as probable syphilis cases. Conclusion: Significant challenges persist in the proper management of pregnant women and children under investigation for syphilis. Hence, the importance of implementing preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures for syphilis in pregnant women is emphasized to maximize the benefits for both the mother and the fetus.

Keywords: Syphilis, Congenital; Epidemiology; Pregnancy; Signs and Symptoms.