Prenatal syphilis screening among pregnant Medicaid enrollees by sexually transmitted infection history as well as race and ethnicity.

BACKGROUND: Congenital syphilis can cause severe morbidity, including miscarriage and stillbirth, and rates are increasing rapidly within the United States. However, congenital syphilis can be prevented with early detection and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy. Current screening recommendations propose that all women should be screened early in pregnancy, whereas women with elevated risks for congenital syphilis should be screened again later in pregnancy. The rapid increase in congenital syphilis rates suggests that there are still gaps in prenatal syphilis screening. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine associations between the odds of prenatal syphilis screening and sexually transmitted infection history or other patient characteristics across 3 states with elevated rates of congenital syphilis. STUDY DESIGN: We used the Medicaid claims data from Kentucky, Louisiana, and South Carolina for women with deliveries between 2017 and 2021. Within each state, we examined the log-odds of prenatal syphilis screening as a function of the mother's health history, demographic factors, and Medicaid enrollment history. Patient history was established using a 4-year lookback period of the Medicaid claims data; in state A, sexually transmitted infection surveillance data were used to improve the sexually transmitted infection history. RESULTS: The prenatal syphilis screening rates varied by state, ranging from 62.8% to 85.1% of deliveries to women without a recent history of sexually transmitted infections and from 78.1% to 91.1% of deliveries to women with a previous sexually transmitted infection. For the main outcome of syphilis screening at any time during pregnancy, deliveries associated with previous sexually transmitted infections had 1.09 to 1.37 times higher adjusted odds ratios of undergoing screening. Deliveries to women with continuous Medicaid coverage throughout the first trimester also had higher odds of syphilis screening at any time (adjusted odds ratio, 2.45-3.15). Among deliveries to women with a previous sexually transmitted infection, only 53.6% to 63.6% underwent first-trimester screening and this rate was still just 55.0% to 69.5% when considering only deliveries to women with a previous sexually transmitted infection and full first-trimester Medicaid coverage. Fewer delivering women underwent third-trimester screening (20.3%-55.8% of women with previous sexually transmitted infection). Compared with deliveries to White women, deliveries to Black women had lower odds of first-trimester screening (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85 in all states) but higher odds of third-trimester screening (adjusted odds ratio, 1.23-2.03), potentially impacting maternal and birth outcomes. For state A, linkage to surveillance data doubled the rate of detection of a previous sexually transmitted infection because 53.0% of deliveries by women with a previous sexually transmitted infection would not have had sexually transmitted infection history detected using Medicaid claims alone. CONCLUSION: A previous sexually transmitted infection and continuous preconception Medicaid enrollment were associated with higher rates of syphilis screening, but Medicaid claims alone do not fully capture the sexually transmitted infection history of patients. The overall screening rates were lower than would be expected given that all women should undergo prenatal screening, but the rates in the third trimester were particularly low. Of note, there are gaps in early screening for non-Hispanic Black women who had lower odds of first-trimester screening when compared with non-Hispanic White women despite being at elevated risk for syphilis.

Congenital Syphilis in the Medicaid Program: Assessing Challenges and Opportunities Through the Experiences of Seven Southern States.

INTRODUCTION: Rates of congenital syphilis cases are increasing, particularly among lower socioeconomic populations within the southern United States. Medicaid covers a significant portion of these births, which provides an opportunity to improve birth outcomes. This project sought to collect information from key stakeholders to assess facilitators of and barriers to Medicaid funding of prenatal syphilis screening and to provide insight into improving screening and lowering incidence through the Medicaid program. METHODS: Seven southern states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) were identified for this assessment. Researchers conducted a legal and policy analysis for each state to gather information on factors affecting congenital syphilis prevention, identify knowledge gaps, and inform the development of interview guides. Seventeen structured interviews with 29 participants were conducted to gather information on facilitators and barriers to receiving timely prenatal syphilis screening through the Medicaid program. Interview transcripts were analyzed and compared to identify key themes. RESULTS: Barriers to timely prenatal syphilis screening include varied laws among the states on the timing of screening, Medicaid reimbursement policies that may not adequately incentivize testing, Medicaid enrollment issues that affect both enrollment and continuity of care, and lack of clear understanding among providers on recommended testing. CONCLUSION: This work provides insight into systemic issues that may be affecting rates of prenatal syphilis screening and incidence among Medicaid enrollees and others in the U.S. South. To address rising congenital syphilis cases, policymakers should consider requiring third trimester syphilis screening, adopting policies to enhance access to prenatal care, adapting Medicaid payment and incentive models, and promoting collaboration between Medicaid and public health agencies.

Expanded prenatal syphilis screening in Manitoba, Canada: a direct short-term cost-avoidance analysis in an outbreak context.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to provide a direct short-term cost-avoidance analysis of expanded three-time prenatal syphilis screening in the context of Manitoba's ongoing outbreak. METHODS: A conservative modelling approach increased all financial costs of prenatal screening and minimized the direct costs of congenital syphilis treatment. The cost of syphilis screening was calculated using instrument, reagent and consumable costs as well as laboratory overhead and labour costs as documented by Cadham Provincial Laboratory. The short-term direct costs of treating congenital syphilis were calculated using hospital costs and doctor's billing fees. All costs were calculated in 2021 Canadian dollars. These numbers were applied to Manitoba's 2021 congenital syphilis statistics to provide a pragmatic cost-avoidance analysis. RESULTS: The cost of applying three-time prenatal syphilis screening to all 16,800 yearly pregnancies in Manitoba equalled CAD $139,608.00 per year. The direct short-term cost of treating one uncomplicated case of congenital syphilis was $18,151.40. As 81 cases of congenital syphilis were treated in Manitoba in 2021, the short-term direct cost of treating congenital syphilis in Manitoba in 2021 was $1,470,263.40. Applying screening costs to the 125 adequately prevented cases of congenital syphilis in 2021, the screening program is associated with a cost-avoidance ratio of 16.25. If no prenatal syphilis program existed in Manitoba, an expanded screening program would be associated with a cost-avoidance ratio of 26.8. CONCLUSION: Expanding prenatal syphilis screening is highly cost-avoidant in Manitoba. The 81 cases of congenital syphilis treated in Manitoba in 2021 highlight the need for novel community-based approaches to increase accessibility and engagement with prenatal care.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Dans le contexte de l'éclosion de syphilis qui sévit actuellement au Manitoba, notre étude vise à présenter une analyse des coûts directs à court terme qui pourraient être évités en étendant le dépistage de la syphilis au cours des trois trimestres de la grossesse. MéTHODE: En adoptant une approche de modélisation prudente, nous avons accru tous les coûts financiers du dépistage anténatal et réduit les coûts de traitement directs de la syphilis congénitale. Les coûts de dépistage de la syphilis ont été calculés en utilisant les coûts des instruments, des réactifs et des consommables, ainsi que les frais généraux et les coûts de main-d'œuvre des laboratoires selon le Laboratoire provincial Cadham. Les coûts directs à court terme du traitement de la syphilis congénitale ont été calculés en utilisant les frais hospitaliers et les frais facturés par les médecins. Tous les coûts ont été calculés en dollars canadiens de 2021. Ces chiffres ont été appliqués aux statistiques de 2021 du Manitoba sur la syphilis congénitale pour produire une analyse pragmatique de prévention des coûts. RéSULTATS: Le coût d'étendre le dépistage de la syphilis au cours des trois trimestres de la grossesse aux 16 800 grossesses annuelles au Manitoba représentait 139 608 $ CAN par année. Le coût direct à court terme du traitement d'un cas de syphilis congénitale sans complications était de 18 151,40 $. Étant donné que 81 cas de syphilis congénitale ont été traités au Manitoba en 2021, le coût direct à court terme du traitement de syphilis congénitale dans la province en 2021 s'est élevé à 1 470 263,40 $. En appliquant les coûts de dépistage aux 125 cas de syphilis congénitale que l'on a réussi à prévenir en 2021, le programme de dépistage est associé à un rapport de prévention des coûts de 16,25. S'il n'existait aucun programme de dépistage anténatal de la syphilis au Manitoba, un programme de dépistage élargi serait associé à un rapport de prévention des coûts de 26,8. CONCLUSION: L'expansion du dépistage anténatal de la syphilis serait une mesure de prévention des coûts très efficace au Manitoba. Les 81 cas de syphilis congénitale traités dans la province en 2021 montrent qu'il faut adopter de nouvelles approches de proximité pour améliorer l'accès et la participation aux soins anténatals.

New trends in congenital syphilis: epidemiology, testing in pregnancy, and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In light of alarming increases in the incidence of congenital syphilis in many middle and higher income countries across the globe, this review summarizes recent changes in the epidemiology of syphilis, highlights recommended changes to testing in pregnancy and provides an update for the management of syphilis infection in pregnancy (SIP) and of the infant born to a mother with SIP. RECENT FINDINGS: The re-emergence of congenital syphilis is a result of increasing infectious syphilis in women of childbearing age, which is in turn a result of increasing syphilis in the general population particularly in Indigenous and marginalized populations. Potential reasons for the increase include changing sexual practices and increased travel and migration, as well as factors that limit healthcare access, particularly access to antenatal care and limited awareness and education amongst mothers and maternity services. A single antenatal test for syphilis is insufficient; more frequent testing in pregnancy is necessary even for women deemed to be low risk. The management of SIP and of the newborn is complex and guidelines should be readily available with clear recommendations. SUMMARY: Congenital syphilis is preventable. The current crisis calls for a global and national multipronged, co-ordinated approach involving public health and hospital systems which includes education of individuals and healthcare workers, availability of updated guidelines for prevention and treatment, prioritization of antenatal testing, assurance of accessible and prompt treatment and appropriate assessment and follow-up of infants.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Point-of-Care Rapid Testing Versus Laboratory-Based Testing for Antenatal Screening of Syphilis in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Severe consequences of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and high increasing incidence of congenital syphilis remains an important public health problem in Brazil. Our objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a rapid point-of-care test (RT) and treatment of positive mothers immediately compared with a laboratory-based standard test (ST) with treatment at next follow-up visit. METHODS: A decision analytic model was developed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between antenatal syphilis screening strategies. The model was built with lifetime horizon from Brazilian health system perspective using 3% and 5% discount rates. A hypothetical cohort of pregnant women at reproductive age were used in the model. Health outcomes: low birth weight, stillbirths, neonatal deaths and congenital syphilis were estimated in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost. Microcosting study and secondary data provided parameters of direct medical costs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: For base case, the mean cost per pregnant woman screened was $2.63 (RT) and $2.48 (ST), respectively. Maternal syphilis was associated with a loss of 0.0043 DALYs (RT) and 0.0048 DALYs (ST) per mother screened. Expected value of incremental cost per DALY averted was $298.08. After 10 000 probabilistic sensitivity analysis model runs, incremental cost and health benefits were $0.15 (95% credible interval -1.56 to 1.92) and 0.00042 DALYs (95% credible interval -0.0036 to 0.0044), respectively, with a mean ICER of $357.44 per DALY. Screening with RT has a 58% chance of being the optimal strategy at a threshold of $3,200 per DALY. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, antenatal screening with syphilis RT and immediate treatment is likely to be cost-effective compared with standard screening and must be prioritized in local settings.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes for paediatric patients admitted with congenital or acquired syphilis: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Paediatric congenital and acquired syphilis cases have been increasing since 2012 in the USA. Potential differences in associated hospitalisation trends and healthcare utilisation between the two syphilis entities have not yet been assessed. We sought to compare these entities and describe their clinical characteristics, distribution and impact in the USA. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study using the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) to identify and characterise syphilis-associated hospitalisations among paediatric patients (age 0-21 years) in the USA during the year of 2016. Length of stay and hospitalisation costs for patients with congenital and acquired syphilis were compared in multivariable models. RESULTS: A total of 1226 hospitalisations with the diagnosis of syphilis were identified. Of these patients, 958 had congenital syphilis and 268 were acquired cases. The mean cost of care for congenital syphilis was $23 644 (SD=1727), while the treatment of a patient with acquired syphilis on average cost $10 749 (SD=1966). Mean length of stay was 8 days greater and mean total costs were $12 895 (US dollars) higher in the congenital syphilis cohort compared with the acquired syphilis cohort. In congenital syphilis, there were greater frequency of cases in the Southern and Western regions of the USA (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Congenital syphilis was associated with greater healthcare-related expenditure than acquired syphilis in paediatric patients. In addition to improving patient outcomes, congenital syphilis prevention efforts may significantly reduce healthcare utilisation burden and cost.

Factors associated with prenatal care and HIV and syphilis testing during pregnancy in primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with HIV and syphilis testing during pregnancy in Brazil. METHODS: This was an ecological study covering all Brazilian municipalities evaluated by the second cycle of the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care, 2013-2014. The dependent variables were based on prenatal care access: prenatal care appointments, and HIV and syphilis tests during prenatal care. The independent variables were compared with demographic and social characteristics. Bivariate analysis was performed assessing the three outcomes with the independent variables. Variables with significant associations in this bivariate analysis were fit in a Poisson multiple regression analysis with robust variance to obtain adjusted estimates. RESULT: Poisson regression analysis showed a statistically significant association with the variables "less than eight years of study" [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.31; 95%CI 1.19-1.45; p < 0.001] and "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 0.80; 95%CI 0.72-0.88; p < 0.001) for the outcome of "having less than six prenatal care appointments" and individual variables. A statistically significant association was found for "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.19-1.72; p < 0.001) regarding the outcome from the comparison between HIV testing absence during prenatal care and demographic and social characteristics. The absence of syphilis testing during prenatal care, and demographic and social characteristics presented a statistically significant association for the education level variable "less than eight years of study" (PR =1.75; 95%CI 1.56-1.96; p < 0.001) and "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.07-1.36; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The individual factors were associated with prenatal care appointments and HIV and syphilis tests in Brazilian pregnant women. They show missed opportunities for diagnosing HIV and syphilis infection during prenatal care and indicate weaknesses in the quality of maternal health care services to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

Factors associated with prenatal care and HIV and syphilis testing during pregnancy in primary health care

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors associated with HIV and syphilis testing during pregnancy in Brazil. METHODS This was an ecological study covering all Brazilian municipalities evaluated by the second cycle of the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care, 2013-2014. The dependent variables were based on prenatal care access: prenatal care appointments, and HIV and syphilis tests during prenatal care. The independent variables were compared with demographic and social characteristics. Bivariate analysis was performed assessing the three outcomes with the independent variables. Variables with significant associations in this bivariate analysis were fit in a Poisson multiple regression analysis with robust variance to obtain adjusted estimates. RESULT Poisson regression analysis showed a statistically significant association with the variables "less than eight years of study" [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.31; 95%CI 1.19-1.45; p < 0.001] and "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 0.80; 95%CI 0.72-0.88; p < 0.001) for the outcome of "having less than six prenatal care appointments" and individual variables. A statistically significant association was found for "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.19-1.72; p < 0.001) regarding the outcome from the comparison between HIV testing absence during prenatal care and demographic and social characteristics. The absence of syphilis testing during prenatal care, and demographic and social characteristics presented a statistically significant association for the education level variable "less than eight years of study" (PR =1.75; 95%CI 1.56-1.96; p < 0.001) and "participants of the cash transfer program" (PR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.07-1.36; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The individual factors were associated with prenatal care appointments and HIV and syphilis tests in Brazilian pregnant women. They show missed opportunities for diagnosing HIV and syphilis infection during prenatal care and indicate weaknesses in the quality of maternal health care services to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

Congenital Syphilis: A Discussion of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Nurses' Role in Early Identification and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis left untreated, or inadequately treated during pregnancy, can result in congenital syphilis (CS). Congenital syphilis can lead to severe sequelae or fetal, neonatal, or infant death. PURPOSE: To discuss the epidemiological trends, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CS; the implications of CS upon the infant; as well as the importance of the nurse's role in the prompt identification of CS and the timely interventions needed to minimize sequelae. METHODS: A literature search was completed using ProQuest, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Articles published within the past 10 years were included. FINDINGS: Epidemiological trends of CS in the United States indicate that maternal syphilis infection and CS are on the rise. Risk factors include ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to prenatal care, and sexual behaviors, as well as compliance with prenatal syphilis screening by prenatal providers. Risks of CS to the developing fetus begin at approximately 14 weeks. Timely treatment is necessary to minimize or eliminate mortality and morbidity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Evidence-based, interprofessional strategies, which promote a collaborative perinatal/neonatal preventative approach to care of the pregnant female, are indicated to reverse the increasing incidence of CS within the United States. Strategies prioritizing early identification and treatment of at-risk neonates are necessary to reduce/eliminate the devastating long-term consequences of CS upon this vulnerable population. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The paucity of research, which focuses on CS, is most likely due to ethical concerns related to infants as research participants and provides an opportunity for future research. Future research could focus on factors that focus on maternal-fetal/maternal-child transmission of CS.

Improving the antenatal and post-partum management of women presenting to Sexual Health Services with positive syphilis serology through audit.

The incidence of congenital syphilis remains low in the UK, but the morbidity and mortality to babies born to women who are untreated for the condition make testing for the disease antenatally one of the most cost-effective screening programmes. Women attending North Middlesex Hospital, UK with a positive syphilis test at their antenatal booking visit are referred to St Ann's Sexual Health Clinic, London, for management and contact tracing. We were concerned that our initial audit revealed that a large proportion of women referred to our service never attended and recorded partner notification was poor. Following the implementation of recommendations, specifically the introduction of an electronic referral system, re-audit showed an improvement in attendance, contact tracing, documentation and communication.

Finding a needle in the haystack: the costs and cost-effectiveness of syphilis diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis in Kalomo District of Zambia.

BACKGROUND: In March 2012, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation trained maternal and child health workers in Southern Province of Zambia to use a new rapid syphilis test (RST) during routine antenatal care. A recent study by Bonawitz et al. (2014) evaluated the impact of this roll out in Kalomo District. This paper estimates the costs and cost-effectiveness from the provider's perspective under the actual conditions observed during the first year of the RST roll out. METHODS: Information on materials used and costs were extracted from program records. A decision-analytic model was used to evaluate the costs (2012 USD) and cost-effectiveness. Basic parameters needed for the model were based on the results from the evaluation study. RESULTS: During the evaluation study, 62% of patients received a RST, and 2.8% of patients tested were positive (and 10.4% of these were treated). Even with very high RST sensitivity and specificity (98%), true prevalence of active syphilis would be substantially less (estimated at <0.7%). For 1,000 new ANC patients, costs of screening and treatment were estimated at $2,136, and the cost per avoided disability-adjusted-life year lost (DALY) was estimated at $628. Costs change little if all positives are treated (because prevalence is low and treatment costs are small), but the cost-per-DALY avoided falls to just $66. With full adherence to guidelines, costs increase to $3,174 per 1,000 patients and the cost-per-DALY avoided falls to $60. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for syphilis is only useful for reducing adverse birth outcomes if patients testing positive are actually treated. Even with very low prevalence of syphilis (a needle in the haystack), cost effectiveness improves dramatically if those found positive are treated; additional treatment costs little but DALYs avoided are substantial. Without treatment, the needle is essentially found and thrown back into the haystack.

O seguimento da sífilis congênita em crianças tratadas ao nascer / Follow-up of congenital syphilis in children treated at birth

Objetivo: Descrever o manejo clinico inicial e seguimento terapêuticodispensado aos recém-nascidos com diagnóstico de sífiliscongênita na ocasião do parto e a partir da alta em maternidadespúblicas do Distrito Federal, Brasil.Método: Coletou-se informações do prontuário médico hospitalare fichas de notificação compulsória da conduta clínica inicial e seguimentoterapêutico dos 81 casos de sífilis congênita notificadosao Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação, no ano de 2008.Resultado: A realização de hemograma ocorreu em 46,9%, e os examesradiológicos de ossos longos em 81,4%. Quatro crianças (4,9%)fizeram o acompanhamento conforme protocolo do Ministério daSaúde. Em relação ao seguimento bimensal até os 12 meses de vidahouve 93,8% de casos ignorados e não foi encontrado nenhum registrode seguimento completo até os 18 meses de idade.Conclusão: O manejo clínico inicial e o seguimento terapêuticodo recém-nascido com sífilis congênita no Distrito Federal não érealizado de forma adequada e está em desacordo com as diretrizesdefinidas pelo MS.(AU)

Purpose: Describe the initial clinical management and therapeuticmonitoring dispensed for newborns diagnosed with congenitalsyphilis at birth and as of the high public hospitals in the FederalDistrict, Brazil.Methods: Collected informations from the initial clinical managementand continuity of care accorded to 81 newborns diagnosedwith congenital syphilis reported to the National System of Diseasesof Notification in 2008.Results: The hemogram occurred in 46.9%, and radiological longbone in 81.4%. Four children (4.9%) followed up according to theprotocol of the Ministry of Health in relation to bi-monthly follow--up until 12 months of age was 93.8% of cases ignored and found norecord of complete follow-up at 18 months old of age.Conclusions: The initial clinical management and therapeuticfollow-up of newborns with congenital syphilis in the Federal Districtis not carried out adequately and does not accordance with theguidelines set by the Ministry of Health.(AU)

[Syphilis in the past and present]. / Kila dawniej i dzis.

Syphilis is a specific inflammation which is extremely difficult to clearly diagnose in archaeological material. The origin of this disease is unclear. Most proponents hold the view that it comes from America, and that it was transmitted to Europe by sailors travelling with Columbus. In addition to the thesis of the American origin of syphilis is a suggestion that a mild form of syphilis existed in Europe before Columbus' expeditions. This form, until the end of the fifteenth century, began to spread epidemics. In Poland, the first officially reported case of the disease was described in 1495. Today, an increase in the incidence of new cases in Poland and globally can be observed. An increasing number of cases of congenital syphilis in newborns is also noted. This situation in Poland is connected with a change in the law in 2001, according to which only insured persons became entitled to free treatment. In view of the rising tide of the disease, and the appearance of advanced forms of the disease, in 2009 the free diagnosis, treatment, and follow up for all patients with syphilis was restored.

Importancia epidemiológica del diagnóstico temprano en el manejo de sífilis gestacional y congénita, falla terapéutica del tratamiento secundaria a demora en el diagnóstico / Epidemiological importance of early diagnosis in the management of gestational and congenital syphilis, treatment failure secondary to delay in diagnosis

La sífilis, enfermedad legendaria, tiene formas asintomáticas y sintomáticas; sus formas de presentación son diversas y dependen de la localización y la extensión de las lesiones. Cuando se presenta en la mujer embarazada se clasifica como sífilis gestacional, con alto impacto en salud pública y con consecuencias graves, como aborto, mortinato o parto prematuro con producto enfermo. La recomendación actual del tratamiento en gestantes es la penicilina G benzatínica, 2,4 millones de unidades en dosis única o hasta 7,2 millones de unidades en tres dosis con intervalos de una semana. La evidencia hasta el momento en mujeres gestantes que presentan sífilis latente con neurosífilis o sin ella, tratadas con penicilina, ha mostrado falla terapéutica sin importar qué esquema se prescriba, esto debido a múltiples eventos tanto técnicos como de acceso. En la revisión del caso clínico de una paciente de 29 años de edad, negativa para VIH, primípara y con abandono del control prenatal, con embarazo de 29 semanas en el momento del diagnóstico de sífilis gestacional; se evidenció falla terapéutica con penicilina G benzatínica, secundaria a la falta de controles prenatales tempranos con retraso en el diagnóstico. Se identificó en el posparto, con niveles de serología reactivos y producto con sífilis gestacional.

Syphilis, legendary, has forms of asymptomatic and symptomatic; their presentations are diverse and depend on the location and extent of injuries. When it occurs in pregnant women it is classified as gestational syphilis, with high impact on public health and serious consequences, such as abortion, stillbirth or premature birth with diseased product. The current recommendation of treatment in pregnant women is penicillin G benzathine, 2.4 million units in a single dose or up to 7.2 million units in three doses at intervals of one week. The evidence so far in pregnant women with latent syphilis neurosyphilis or wrongly, treated with penicillin, has shown therapeutic failure no matter what scheme are prescribed, due to multiple events both technical access. In the review of the clinical case of a 29-year-old, negative for HIV in her first gestation and abandonment of antenatal care, with 29 week pregnancy at the time of diagnosis, gestational syphilis; evidenced therapeutic failure with penicillin G benzathine, secondary to lack of early prenatal with delay in diagnosis. It was identified in the post-partum, with levels of serology reagents and product with congenital syphilis.

Conhecimento dos enfermeiros acerca do manejo da gestante com exame de VDRL reagente / Nurses's knowledge about the management of pregnant with positive VDRL

Introdução: a sífilis se mantêm como um grave problema de saúde pública, haja vista as repercussões que podem acarretar no feto quando a gestante não realiza o tratamento ou é inadequadamente tratada. Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento dos enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Fortaleza, Ceará, acerca das ações de prevenção, tratamento e controle da sífilis na gestação. Métodos: estudo descritivo quantitativo, realizado nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2010, cuja amostra se constituiu de 160 enfermeiros. Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicado que foi elaborado com base nas recomendações do Ministério da Saúde para o controle de sífilis gestacional e congênita. Foram consideradas corretas as respostas que estavam de acordo com o preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde. Analisaram-se dados sociodemográficos e variáveis relacionadas com diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento das gestantes com VDRL reagente. Resultados: não tinham conhecimento adequado sobre os tipos de testes treponêmicos e não treponêmicos 76,2% dos enfermeiros, 83,7% sobre a conduta diante do VDRL com titulação 1:1, 59,4% com realação ao tratamento para a fase secundária da doença e 66,9% tinham dificuldade de identificar as fases da sífilis recente. Conclusão: os enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família não têm conhecimento adequado acerca das ações que envolvem a prevenção e o controle na gestante.

Syphilis remains as a serious public health problem, considering the repercussions that may result in the fetus when the pregnant woman does not received treatment or is inadequately treated. Objective: analyzed the knowledge of the Family Health Strategy nurses from Fortaleza-Cear� about the prevention actions, treatment, and control of syphilis during pregnancy. Methods: an evaluative study, performed during the months of August and September 2010, which sample was composed by 160 nurses. It was used a self-applied questionnaire, elaborated based on the Health Office recommendations for the control of syphilis during pregnancy and congenital syphilis. The answers in agreement with Health Office preconizes were considered correct. Sociodemographic data and variables related to diagnosis, treatment and the follow-up of pregnant women with positive VDRL were analyzed. Results: they don't have knowledge about treponemic and non-treponemic types of serology 76,2% of the nurses, 83,7% about conduct facing VDRL titles, 59,4% about secondary disease treatment and 66,9% about recent syphilis phases identification. Conclusion: the Family Health Strategy nurses don't have the suitable knowledge about preventing and controlling actions on the pregnant woman.

Sífilis e HIV na gestação: uma investigação sobre a assistência pré-natal na rede SUS do Município do Rio de Janeiro, 2007/ 2008 / Syphilis and HIV in pregnancy: an investigation of the prenatal care at SUS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, 2007 / 2008

Introdução: A assistência pré-natal é composta por importantes ações que visam minimizar desfechos negativos no parto e puerpério, destacando-se as sorologias de sífilis e HIV, que devem ser realizadas o mais precocemente possível. Objetivos: investigar o diagnóstico da sífilis e do HIV na assistência pré-natal, comparando suas solicitações segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, e testar a associação da sorologia de sífilis com outros procedimentos do pré-natal. Metodologia: Foram entrevistadas 2422 gestantes em unidades do Sistema Único de Saúde do município do Rio de janeiro que ofereciam assistência pré-natal, entre 2007 e 2008. A variável desfecho foi a solicitação de exame VDRL e anti-HIV.Foram realizadas comparações de proporção por qui-quadrado de Pearson (c2) e análise por regressão logística. Resultados: Apenas 71,5 por cento das mulheres referiram ter ambos os exames solicitados. Mulheres com maior nível de escolaridade, idade maior ou igual a 20 anos e maior renda per capita tiveram mais pedidos de sorologia VDRL com diferença estatisticamente significativa pelo teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson (c 2). Nas análises multivariadas por regressão logística entre a solicitação das sorologias e procedimentos do pré-natal, houve associação com a solicitação de VDRL as variáveis de fluxo “disseram para qual maternidade você deveria ir no momento do parto” e de exame físico “em alguma consulta fizeram exame das mamas”. A análise com variável resposta “solicitação de Anti-HIV” obteve associação apenas com a variável do grupo de exame físico “em alguma consulta fizeram exame das mamas”. Conclusão: Considerando as variáveis estudadas, a solicitação de Anti-HIV dá-se indistintamente na assistência pré-natal, enquanto queo VDRL ainda precisa de estratégias mais eficazes para o sucesso no monitoramento e prevenção da doença.

Introduction: Prenatal care consists of important actions that aim at minimizingnegative outcomes in childbirth and pospartum, with emphasis on syphilis serology and HIV, to be held as early as possible. Objectives: To investigate the diagnosis of syphilis and HIV in prenatal care, comparing their requests according to sociodemographic variables, and to test the association of serological tests for syphilis and HIV and other procedures of prenatal care. Methods: We interviewed 2422 women in units of the Brazilian Healthcare System in Rio de Janeiro that offered prenatal care between 2007 and 2008. The outcome variables were the request for VDRL and HIV exams. Comparisons were made of proportion by thePearson chi-square test (c2) and logistic regression analysis. Results: Only 71,5% of women reported having both exams. Women with higher educational degree, older than 20 years and higher per capita income had more requests for VDRL showed statistical significance difference. In multivariate analysis using logistic regression between the serology request and prenatal procedures, the variables "itwas told what maternity you should go to" and " in any consultation breast exam was taken" were associated with the VDRL request. The analysis with response variable "request for Anti-HIV" showed it was associated just with the variable "in any consultation breast exam was taken." Conclusion: The request for Anti-HIV exam occurs indiscriminately in prenatal care, while the VDRL still needs more effectivestrategies for success in monitoring and prevention of syphilis.