[Syphilis in Argentina]. / Sífilis en Argentina.

Syphilis is a disease preventable through sexual protection barriers, and curable with a simple treatment. Despite this, between 2010 and 2019, its incidence almost tripled in Argentina, reaching 56.1/100 000. The most affected are young people (15-24 years old), with a higher percentage of women, especially among pregnant women, in whom it increased from 2.3% to 5.8%, with a peak of 7.7% between 15 and 24 years old. Cases of secondary or tertiary syphilis, detected by control tests, are on the rise. The increase in syphilis is linked to HIV. For this reason, rapid detection tests must be carried out jointly at the first level of care, which facilitates access to the diagnosis and treatment of positive cases, with the corresponding guidance and control. Treatment with penicillin, for which no resistance has been found, is the key component of control. Doxycillin is also used (not in pregnant women), or ceftriaxone. The resistance of Treponema pallidum to azithromycin is increasing, so its use should be avoided. In 2022, 696 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. The national rate is 1.3 per 1000 live births. The majority of reported cases come from the public sector. Maternal syphilis is, in low-income areas, the most common cause of stillbirths. Strict application of existing regulations, strengthening the primary care system, and prevention during pregnancy can contribute to controlling and eliminating the syphilis problem in Argentina.

La sífilis es una enfermedad prevenible mediante barreras de protección sexual, y curable por un sencillo tratamiento. A pesar de esto, entre 2010 y 2019, su incidencia casi se triplicó en Argentina, alcanzando 56.1/100 000. Los más afectados son los jóvenes (15-24 años), con mayor porcentaje de mujeres, especialmente entre las embarazadas, en que aumentó de 2.3% a 5.8%, con un pico de 7.7% entre 15 y 24 años. Los casos de sífilis secundaria o terciaria, detectados por pruebas de control, están en aumento. El aumento de sífilis va unido al HIV. Por ello las pruebas rápidas de detección deben hacerse conjuntamente en el primer nivel de atención, lo que facilita el acceso al diagnóstico y al tratamiento de los casos positivos, con la orientación y control correspondientes. El tratamiento con penicilina, para la que no se ha hallado resistencia, es el componente clave del control. También se usa doxicilina (no en embarazadas), o ceftriaxona. Está aumentando la resistencia del Treponema pallidum a la azitromicina, por lo que debe evitarse su empleo. En 2022 se notificaron 696 casos de sífilis congénita. La tasa de nacional es 1.3 por 1000 nacidos vivos. La mayoría de los casos notificados provienen del sector público. La sífilis materna es, en áreas de bajos recursos, la causa más común de nacidos muertos. La aplicación estricta de las normas existentes, el fortalecimiento del sistema de atención primaria, y la prevención durante el embarazo, pueden contribuir a controlar y eliminar el problema de la sífilis en Argentina.

Evaluation of the follow-up of children treated for congenital syphilis in a municipality in the state of Espírito Santo, when it lacked crystalline penicillin / valiação do acompanhamento de crianças tratadas para sífilis congênita em município do estado do espírito santo em época de falta de penicilina cristalina

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In Brazil, its incidence has increased, along with the lack of penicillin, the antibiotic of choice for congenital syphilis, from 2014 to 2017. During this period, children were treated with alternative drugs, but to date, data from the scientific literature do not recommend another antibiotic. Objective: To compare the progression, according to the established treatment, and evaluate the follow-up in health care facilities in Vila Velha (Espírito Santo) of children with congenital syphilis aged up to two years, born in Hospital Infantil e Maternidade Alzir Bernardino Alves ­ a reference in neonatology and low-risk pregnancy in the state at the time ­ from 2015 to 2016, when the hospital experienced a greater lack of penicillin. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study based on data from medical records of the hospital and other healthcare facilities in the city. We performed statistical analyses, per health district, of epidemiological and sociodemographic data, as well as those related to visits, their frequency, and clinical profile, according to the follow-up parameters proposed by the Ministry of Health at the time. Results: Medical records of 121 children were evaluated, presenting as the main findings: only 35% of the children completed the follow-up; among those treated with ceftriaxone, 55.2% completed the follow-up, and 100% of the children whose venereal disease research laboratory was greater than that of their mother at birth completed the follow-up. Of the symptomatic children at birth who remained or became symptomatic at follow-up, 58.8% used ceftriaxone. Conclusion: Among symptomatic children at birth, most of those treated with ceftriaxone remained symptomatic at follow-up. The Counseling and Testing Center was the most successful facility in the follow-up of these children. District 5 had the lowest success rate in the follow-up of these patients, and districts 1 and 2 showed the lowest rates of appropriate approach to congenital syphilis during follow-up. (AU)

Introdução: A sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível causada pela bactéria Treponema pallidum. No Brasil, sua incidência vem aumentando, acompanhada da falta de penicilina, antibiótico de escolha para a sífilis congênita, no período de 2014­2017. Nesse período, as crianças foram tratadas com medicamentos alternativos, porém dados da literatura científica até o momento não recomendam outro antibiótico. Objetivo: Comparar a evolução, de acordo com o tratamento instituído, e avaliar o acompanhamento nas unidades de saúde em Vila Velha (ES), até os dois anos de idade, das crianças com sífilis congênita nascidas no Hospital Infantil e Maternidade Alzir Bernardino Alves ­ referência em neonatologia e gravidez de baixo risco no estado na época ­ de 2015 a 2016, período em que houve maior falta de penicilina no hospital. Métodos: Estudo observacional do tipo transversal, retrospectivo, baseado em dados dos prontuários do hospital e outras Unidades de Saúde do município. Foram analisados estatisticamente, por região de saúde, dados epidemiológicos, sociodemográficos, bem como relativos às consultas, sua periodicidade e ao perfil clínico, de acordo com os parâmetros de seguimento propostos pelo Ministério da Saúde na época. Resultados: Avaliaram-se os prontuários de 121 crianças, obtendo-se como principais achados: somente 35% das crianças tiveram seguimento completo; das crianças tratadas com ceftriaxona, 55,2% tiveram seguimento completo, e 100% das crianças que tiveram VDRL maior que o da mãe no parto completaram o seguimento. Das crianças sintomáticas ao nascimento e que permaneceram ou ficaram sintomáticas no seguimento, 58,8% fizeram uso de ceftriaxona. Conclusão: Das crianças sintomáticas ao nascimento, as tratadas com ceftriaxona, em sua maioria, mantiveram-se sintomáticas no seguimento. O Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento teve maior êxito no acompanhamento dessas crianças. A região 5 teve a menor taxa de êxito no seguimento desses pacientes, e as regiões 1 e 2 menor taxa de abordagem correta para sífilis congênita durante o seguimento. (AU)

Diagnosis, treatment, and notification of syphilis during pregnancy in the state of Goiás, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of syphilis during pregnancy notification regarding clinical classification, diagnosis and treatment in the state of Goiás, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. METHODS: This is a time-series study, analyzing data provided by the Health Secretariat of the state of Goiás. The variables related to the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women and their partners were analyzed, and their evolution trend during the years. Descriptive statistics and percentage calculation were used. Cochran-Armitage test with a significance level α = 0.05 was used to determine increase and decrease trends. RESULTS: During the period, 7,774 cases were notified. The highest percentage of notifications occurred in the second trimester of pregnancy (39.8%) and corresponded to primary syphilis (34.1%). The most frequent treatment prescribed was benzathine benzylpenicillin with a dosage of 7.2 million (43.8%). Between 2007 and 2017, there was an increasing trend in the notification percentage of latent (14.1% to 30.7%), secondary (5.2% to 19%), and tertiary syphilis (4.4% to 11.4%). The treatment with benzathine benzylpenicillin with a dosage of 7.2 million also increased (19.3% to 59.6%). The percentages of primary syphilis decreased (43.4% to 22.1%), as well as other treatments' percentages. CONCLUSIONS: Latent syphilis notification of pregnant women and treatment with penicillin at the dosage of 7,200,000 IU increased. Notification forms' data completeness also increased for the variables clinical classification and treatment, suggesting improvements in the notification process.

Congenital syphilis with hydrops fetalis: report of four cases in a general referral hospital in Bogota, Colombia between 2016- 2020 / Sífilis congénita con hídrops fetal: reporte de cuatro casos en un hospital general de referencia en Bogotá, Colombia entre 2016- 2020

Objective: To report four cases of hydrops fetalis secondary to congenital syphilis and carry out a review of the literature to answer the question, What is the antibiotic regimen used in cases of gestational syphilis with hydrops fetalis as a complication? Materials and Methods: Four cases of congenital syphilis with hydrops fetalis are presented. Maternal age ranged between 17 and 28 years, gestational age at the time of diagnosis varied between 25 and 30 weeks, and two of the mothers had not initiated prenatal care at that time. Treatment with crystalline penicillin for gestational syphilis was given immediately 6 to 12 weeks before delivery in three cases and partners were prescribed treatment with benzathine penicillin. As for the neonates, two had no active infection or sequelae and one of them was considered to have congenital syphilis based on non-treponemal test titers. In one case, the patient was unable to receive syphilis treatment before delivery and her newborn had signs of active infection. A review of the literature was conducted in the Medline, LILACS and Google Scholar databases using the search terms "hydrops fetalis," "Lues", "syphilis ­ prenatal diagnosis - ultrasound - penicillin ­ treatment". The search included case reports and case series or cohorts of newborns with gestational syphilis and hydrops fetalis. Information regarding treatment in the mothers and in the newborns was extracted. Results: Overall, 119 articles were identified. Of these, 13 met the inclusion criteria, three were discarded because the full text could not be accessed. Ten studies with a total of 16 reported cases of hydrops fetalis secondary to congenital infection were reported. Of these, three presented with severe fetal anemia and required intrauterine transfusion; 5 cases received intrauterine penicillin treatment. In four cases the mother received weekly intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin for 3 weeks, one received additional intravenous crystalline penicillin for 13 days, while another one received intravenous crystalline penicillin for 14 days. Treatment during gestation was not given in a total of 11 cases; and 6 of the 16 cases (37.5%) resulted in perinatal death. Conclusion: Delays in prenatal care and late diagnosis and treatment of gestational syphilis are important causes of persistent congenital syphilis. Randomized studies are required to identify the best treatment in fetuses with congenital syphilis 30 days before delivery and in fetuses with systemic compromise during the second half of gestation.

Objetivo: realizar un reporte de 4 casos de hídrops fetal secundario a sífilis congénita y hacer una revisión de la literatura para responder la siguiente pregunta: ¿cuál es el esquema antibiótico utilizado en los casos de sífilis gestacional complicada con hídrops fetal? Materiales y métodos: se presentan 4 casos de sífilis congénita con hídrops fetal. La edad materna varió entre 17 y 28 años, la edad gestacional al momento del diagnóstico estuvo entre 25 y 30 semanas, dos de ellas no habían iniciado control prenatal en ese momento. En tres casos se dio tratamiento para sífilis gestacional inmediatamente con penicilina cristalina entre 6 y 12 semanas antes del parto y se formuló tratamiento a la pareja con penicilina benzatínica. Respecto a los recién nacidos, dos de ellos no tenían infección activa o secuelas, se consideró que uno de ellos tenía sífilis congénita por títulos de prueba no treponémica. En uno de los casos, la paciente no alcanza a recibir tratamiento para la sífilis gestacional antes del parto, este recién nacido tenía signos de infección activa. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline, LILACS y google scholar; los términos de búsqueda fueron los siguientes: "hídrops fetal", "lues", "syphilis ­ prenatal diagnosis- ultrasound - penicilina ­ treatment". Se buscaron reportes y series de casos o cohortes de recién nacidos con sífilis gestacional con hídrops fetalis. Se extrajo información sobre la madre y el recién nacido respecto al tratamiento. Resultados: se identificaron 119 artículos, de estos 13 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, tres fueron descartados por no tener acceso al texto completo. Se incluyeron diez estudios de un total de 16 casos reportados con diagnóstico prenatal de hídrops fetal secundarios a infección congénita. De ellos, tres presentaron anemia fetal severa y requirieron transfusión intrauterina; 5 casos recibieron tratamiento intrauterino con penicilina. En cuatro casos la madre recibió penicilina benzatínica intramuscular por 3 semanas, uno recibió además penicilina cristalina endovenosa por 13 días, otro recibió penicilina cristalina endovenosa por 14 días. Un total de 11 casos no recibieron tratamiento durante la gestación; 6 de los 16 casos (37,5%) presentaron muerte perinatal. Conclusión: el retraso en acudir al control prenatal y la tardanza del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la sífilis gestacional son causas importantes de la persistencia de la sífilis congénita. Se requieren estudios aleatorizados para determinar el mejor tratamiento del feto con sífilis congénita en los 30 días previos al parto y del feto con compromiso sistémico durante la segunda mitad de la gestación.

Treatment administered to newborns with congenital syphilis during a penicillin shortage in 2015, Fortaleza, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Between 2014 and 2016, Brazil experienced a severe shortage in penicillin supply, resulting in a lack of treatment among some pregnant women and newborns with syphilis and the use of non-evidence-based regimens. This study evaluated all live births in Fortaleza reported with CS in 2015 in order to identify the different therapeutic regimens used in newborns during this period of penicillin shortage. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted using manually extracted data from medical chart review of maternal and infant cases delivered in 2015 from all public maternity hospitals in the city of Fortaleza. Data collection occurred from June 2017 to July 2018. RESULTS: A total of 575 congenital syphilis cases were reported to the municipality of Fortaleza during 2015 and 469 (81.5%) were analyzed. Of these, only 210 (44.8%) were treated with a nationally-recommended treatment. As alternative therapeutic options, ceftriaxone was used in 65 (13.8%), Cefazolin in 15 (3.2%) and the combination of more than one drug in 179 (38.2%). Newborns with serum VDRL titers ≥1:16 (p = 0.021), who had some clinical manifestation at birth (p = 0.003), who were born premature (p <  0.001), with low birth weight (p = 0.010), with jaundice indicative of the need for phototherapy (p = 0.019) and with hepatomegaly (p = 0.045) were more likely to be treated with penicillin according to national treatment guidelines compared to newborns treated with other regimens. CONCLUSION: During the period of shortage of penicillin in Fortaleza, less than half of the infants reported with CS were treated with a nationally-recommended regimen, the remaining received treatment with medications available in the hospital of birth including drugs that are not part of nationally or internationally-recommended treatment recommendations.

Congenital syphilis in Argentina: Experience in a pediatric hospital.

In spite of being preventable, Congenital syphilis (CS) is still an important, and growing health problem worldwide. Fetal infection can be particularly aggressive, but newborns can be asymptomatic at birth and, if left untreated, develop systemic compromise afterwards with poor prognosis. We analyzed 61 CS diagnosis cases between 1987-2019 presenting at the Buenos Aires Children' Hospital. The distribution of cases showed a bimodal curve, with a peak in 1992-1993 and in 2014-2017. Median age at diagnosis was 2 months (IQ 1-6 months). The main clinical findings were: bone alterations (59%); hepatosplenomegaly (54.1%); anemia (62.8%); skin lesions (42.6%) and renal compromise (33.3%). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was abnormal in 5 patients, normal in 45 and was not available for 11 patients. Remarkably, spinal lumbar puncture did not modify therapeutic decisions in any case. Between mothers, only 46% have been tested for syphilis during pregnancy and 60.5% patients had non-treponemal titers equal to or less than fourfold the maternal titer. Intravenous penicillin G was prescribed for all except one patient, who received ceftriaxone with good therapeutic response. During follow-up, 1.6% infants died, 6.5% had persistent kidney disorders and 1.6% showed bone sequelae damage. RPR titers decreased after treatment, reaching negative seroconversion in 43% subjects at a median of 26.4 months. Low adherence to follow up was observed due to inherent vulnerable and low-income population characteristics in our cohort. Our results highlight a rising tendency in cases referred for CS in our population with high morbidity related to delayed diagnosis. A good therapeutic response was observed. CS requires a greater effort from the health system to adequately screen for this disease during pregnancy, and to detect cases earlier, to provide an adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis, treatment, and notification of syphilis during pregnancy in the state of Goiás, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017 / Diagnóstico, tratamento e notificação da sífilis durante a gestação em Goiás, de 2007 a 2017

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the evolution of syphilis during pregnancy notification regarding clinical classification, diagnosis and treatment in the state of Goiás, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. METHODS This is a time-series study, analyzing data provided by the Health Secretariat of the state of Goiás. The variables related to the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women and their partners were analyzed, and their evolution trend during the years. Descriptive statistics and percentage calculation were used. Cochran-Armitage test with a significance level α = 0.05 was used to determine increase and decrease trends. RESULTS During the period, 7,774 cases were notified. The highest percentage of notifications occurred in the second trimester of pregnancy (39.8%) and corresponded to primary syphilis (34.1%). The most frequent treatment prescribed was benzathine benzylpenicillin with a dosage of 7.2 million (43.8%). Between 2007 and 2017, there was an increasing trend in the notification percentage of latent (14.1% to 30.7%), secondary (5.2% to 19%), and tertiary syphilis (4.4% to 11.4%). The treatment with benzathine benzylpenicillin with a dosage of 7.2 million also increased (19.3% to 59.6%). The percentages of primary syphilis decreased (43.4% to 22.1%), as well as other treatments' percentages. CONCLUSIONS Latent syphilis notification of pregnant women and treatment with penicillin at the dosage of 7,200,000 IU increased. Notification forms' data completeness also increased for the variables clinical classification and treatment, suggesting improvements in the notification process.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a evolução das notificações da sífilis durante a gestação em relação à classificação clínica, ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento no estado de Goiás, entre 2007 e 2017. MÉTODOS Estudo de série temporal com análise de dados fornecidos pela Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Goiás. Foram analisadas as variáveis relacionadas ao diagnóstico e tratamento das gestantes e seus parceiros, e sua tendência evolutiva ao longo dos anos. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva, cálculo de porcentagens e verificação das tendências de aumento e diminuição por meio do teste de Cochran-Armitage com nível de significância α = 0,05. RESULTADOS Ao todo, 7.774 casos foram notificados no período. A maior porcentagem das notificações ocorreu no segundo trimestre de gestação (39,8%) e correspondeu à sífilis primária (34,1%). O tratamento prescrito com maior frequência foi a penicilina benzatina em dose de 7,2 milhões (43,8%). Entre 2007 e 2017, observou-se tendência crescente nas porcentagens de notificações de sífilis latente (14,1% para 30,7%), secundária (5,2% para 19%) e terciária (4,4% para 11,4%), assim como no tratamento com penicilina benzatina em dose de 7,2 milhões (19,3% para 59,6%). Tendência decrescente foi observada nas porcentagens de notificação de sífilis primária (43,4% para 22,1%) e nos demais esquemas de tratamento. CONCLUSÕES Houve aumento no número de notificações de sífilis latente em gestantes e no tratamento com penicilina na dose de 7.200.000 UI. Também foi observado aumento na completitude dos dados da ficha de notificação nas variáveis de classificação clínica e tratamento, sugerindo melhora no processo de notificação.

Who was affected by the shortage of penicillin for syphilis in Rio de Janeiro, 2013-2017?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the shortage of benzathine penicillin G (BPG), characterizing its temporal evolution and spatial distribution in the city of Rio de Janeiro from 2013 to 2017. METHODS: This ecological study used gestational and congenital syphilis notifications, BPG distribution records, and sociodemographic data from the population of Rio de Janeiro. To quantify the shortage, a BPG supply indicator was estimated per quarter for each neighborhood between 2013 and 2017. Thematic maps were created to identify areas and periods with greater BPG shortage, described according to sociodemographic factors, health services network, and epidemiological features in the incidence of syphilis. RESULTS: BPG shortage in Rio de Janeiro from 2013 to 2017 was not homogeneous in space nor in time. The temporal evolution and spatial distribution of BPG scarcity shows that the shortage affected the inhabitants of the municipality in different ways. Shortage was lower in 2013 and 2016 and more severe in 2014, 2015, and 2017, particularly in neighborhoods within the programmatic areas PA3 and PA5, poorer and with higher prevalence rates of gestational and congenital syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzing BPG shortage and its temporal evolution and spatial distribution in Rio de Janeiro allowed us to realize that the inhabitants are affected in different ways. Understanding this process contributes to the planning of actions to face shortage crises, minimizing possible impacts on the management of syphilis and reducing inequality in access to treatment.

Who was affected by the shortage of penicillin for syphilis in Rio de Janeiro, 2013-2017? / A quem afetou o desabastecimento de penicilina para sífilis no Rio de Janeiro, 2013-2017?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the shortage of benzathine penicillin G (BPG), characterizing its temporal evolution and spatial distribution in the city of Rio de Janeiro from 2013 to 2017. METHODS This ecological study used gestational and congenital syphilis notifications, BPG distribution records, and sociodemographic data from the population of Rio de Janeiro. To quantify the shortage, a BPG supply indicator was estimated per quarter for each neighborhood between 2013 and 2017. Thematic maps were created to identify areas and periods with greater BPG shortage, described according to sociodemographic factors, health services network, and epidemiological features in the incidence of syphilis. RESULTS BPG shortage in Rio de Janeiro from 2013 to 2017 was not homogeneous in space nor in time. The temporal evolution and spatial distribution of BPG scarcity shows that the shortage affected the inhabitants of the municipality in different ways. Shortage was lower in 2013 and 2016 and more severe in 2014, 2015, and 2017, particularly in neighborhoods within the programmatic areas PA3 and PA5, poorer and with higher prevalence rates of gestational and congenital syphilis. CONCLUSIONS Analyzing BPG shortage and its temporal evolution and spatial distribution in Rio de Janeiro allowed us to realize that the inhabitants are affected in different ways. Understanding this process contributes to the planning of actions to face shortage crises, minimizing possible impacts on the management of syphilis and reducing inequality in access to treatment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o desabastecimento da penicilina benzatina (PB), caracterizando sua evolução temporal e distribuição espacial no município do Rio de Janeiro de 2013 a 2017. MÉTODOS Trata-se de estudo ecológico misto realizado com notificações de sífilis gestacional e congênita, registros de distribuição de PB e de dados sociodemográficos da população dos bairros do município do Rio de Janeiro. Para mensurar o desabastecimento foi calculado por trimestre um indicador de abastecimento de PB para cada bairro, entre 2013 e 2017. Mapas temáticos foram produzidos para identificar áreas e períodos com maior desabastecimento de PB, o qual foi descrito segundo condições sociodemográficas, rede de serviços de saúde e aspectos epidemiológicos da incidência de sífilis por bairro. RESULTADOS O desabastecimento de PB no município do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2013 a 2017, não foi homogêneo no espaço ou no tempo. A evolução temporal e a distribuição espacial da escassez de PB revelam que o desabastecimento afetou de formas distintas os habitantes do município, sendo menor em 2013 e 2016 e mais intenso em 2014, 2015 e 2017, principalmente nos bairros das áreas programáticas AP3 e AP5, mais pobres e com maiores taxas de sífilis gestacional e congênita. CONCLUSÕES Analisar o desabastecimento de PB e sua evolução temporal e distribuição espacial no município do Rio de Janeiro permitiu reconhecer que os habitantes do município são afetados de diferentes modos. Compreender esse processo ajuda a planejar ações para enfrentar crises de desabastecimento, minimizando possíveis impactos no controle da sífilis, além de reduzir a desigualdade no acesso ao tratamento.

Sífilis congénita tardía: a propósito de un caso / Late congenital syphilis: case report

La sífilis presenta un marcado aumento de su prevalencia en Argentina y en el mundo. La Organización Mundial de la Salud estima que, por año, hay 12 millones de personas infectadas mundialmente, y 270 000 corresponden a recién nacidos con sífilis congènita. Se presenta a una niña de 8 años de edad con mononucleosis por virus de Epstein-Barr, que mostró como hallazgo diagnóstico sífilis confirmada por dos pruebas treponémicas positivas; se interpretó el cuadro como compatible con sífilis congènita latente tardía asintomática.

Syphilis shows marked increase in its prevalence in Argentina and the world. The World Health Organization estimates that annually there are 12 million people infected in the world, 270,000 corresponding to newborns with congenital syphilis. We describe an 8-year-old girl who was undergoing mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus and presented syphilis as a diagnostic finding, confirmed by two different positive treponemal tests, assuming a compatible picture of late latent congenital asymptomatic syphilis.

Syphilis in Pregnancy: The Reality in a Public Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed epidemiological and obstetrical data from pregnant women with syphilis at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM, in the Portuguese acronym), describing this disease during pregnancy and its vertical transmission for future healthcare actions. METHODS: Records from pregnant women who had been admitted to the Obstetrics Department of the Hospital de Clínicas of the UFTM and were diagnosed with syphilis between 2007 and 2016 were reviewed. A standardized form was used to collect epidemiological, obstetric data and outcomes of congenital infection. The present research has been authorized by the Ethics Committee of the institution. RESULTS: There were 268 women diagnosed with syphilis, with an average age of 23.6 years old. The majority of the patients were from Uberaba. Inadequate prenatal care was observed in 37.9% of the pregnant women. Only 34.2% of the patients completed the treatment according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of Brazil, and 19.8% of the partners of the patients underwent adequate syphilis treatment; 37 (13.8%) couples (patients and partners) underwent correct treatment. Regarding the obstetric outcomes, 4 (1.5%) patients had a miscarriage and 8 (3.4%) had fetal losses (from the fetal loss group, 7 had no adequate treatment); 61 (25.9%) patients had premature births - this prematurity has been significantly correlated to inadequate or incomplete treatment in 49 (27.9%) patients, compared with 12 (13.0%) patients with premature births and adequate treatment (p = 0.006). The average live newborn weight was 2,840 g; 25.3% had a birth weight < 2,500 g; 74.2% had congenital syphilis, a data with heavy correlation to inadequate or incomplete prenatal care, prematurity, and low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Public awareness policies on adequate prenatal care, intensification of serological screening, and early treatment of syphilis are needed, considering the rise of cases diagnosed during gestation and its potentially preventable deleterious consequences related to congenital transmission.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo avaliou dados epidemiológicos e obstétricos de gestantes com sífilis no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), objetivando o conhecimento desta infecção no ciclo gravídico e a transmissão vertical para futuras ações em saúde pública. MéTODOS:: Foram revisados registros de gestantes admitidas no Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia do Hospital de Clínicas da UFTM, diagnosticadas com sífilis entre 2007 e 2016. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um formulário padronizado enfocando aspectos epidemiológicos, obstétricos e infecção congênita. A presente pesquisa foi autorizada pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. RESULTADOS: Obteve-se 268 gestantes diagnosticadas com sífilis, com idade media de 23,6 anos, sendo a maioria de Uberaba. A assistência pré-natal foi inadequada em 37,9% dos casos. O tratamento para sífilis, de acordo com as diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, foi realizado por 34,2% das gestantes e por 19,8% dos parceiros. Quanto aos desfechos obstétricos, observou-se que 4 (1,5%) pacientes evoluíram com abortamento e 8 (3,4%) com óbito fetal, das quais 7 não realizaram tratamento. Observou-se parto prematuro em 61 (25,9%) gestantes, e a prematuridade foi significativamente associada ao tratamento ausente/incompleto, com 49 (27,9%) casos, comparada a 12 (13,0%) casos nos quais o tratamento foi adequado (p = 0,006). Quanto aos recém-nascidos, o peso médio foi de 2.840 g, e 25,3% apresentaram peso < 2.500 g. Diagnosticou-se infecção congênita em 74,2%, dos casos, associada significativamente ao pré-natal inadequado, ao tratamento ausente/incompleto, à prematuridade e ao baixo peso ao nascer. CONCLUSãO:: Políticas públicas de conscientização sobre pré-natal adequado, intensificação de rastreamento sorológico e tratamento precoce da sífilis são necessárias, haja vista a ascensão dos casos diagnosticados na gestação e suas consequências deletérias potencialmente evitáveis relacionadas à transmissão congênita.

Syphilis in pregnancy: the reality in a public hospital / Sífilis na gestação: a realidade em um hospital público

Abstract Objective: The present study assessed epidemiological and obstetrical data from pregnant women with syphilis at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM, in the Portuguese acronym), describing this disease during pregnancy and its vertical transmission for future healthcare actions. Methods: Records from pregnant women who had been admitted to the Obstetrics Department of the Hospital de Clínicas of the UFTM and were diagnosed with syphilis between 2007 and 2016 were reviewed. A standardized form was used to collect epidemiological, obstetric data and outcomes of congenital infection. The present research has been authorized by the Ethics Committee of the institution. Results: There were 268 women diagnosed with syphilis, with an average age of 23.6 years old. The majority of the patients were from Uberaba. Inadequate prenatal care was observed in 37.9% of the pregnant women. Only 34.2% of the patients completed the treatment according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of Brazil, and 19.8% of the partners of the patients underwent adequate syphilis treatment; 37 (13.8%) couples (patients and partners) underwent correct treatment. Regarding the obstetric outcomes, 4 (1.5%) patients had a miscarriage and 8 (3.4%) had fetal losses (from the fetal loss group, 7 had no adequate treatment); 61 (25.9%) patients had premature births - this prematurity has been significantly correlated to inadequate or incomplete treatment in 49 (27.9%) patients, compared with 12 (13.0%) patients with premature births and adequate treatment (p = 0.006). The average live newborn weight was 2,840 g; 25.3% had a birth weight < 2,500 g; 74.2% had congenital syphilis, a data with heavy correlation to inadequate or incomplete prenatal care, prematurity, and low birth weight. Conclusion: Public awareness policies on adequate prenatal care, intensification of serological screening, and early treatment of syphilis are needed, considering the rise of cases diagnosed during gestation and its potentially preventable deleterious consequences related to congenital transmission.

Resumo Objetivo: O presente estudo avaliou dados epidemiológicos e obstétricos de gestantes com sífilis no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), objetivando o conhecimento desta infecção no ciclo gravídico e a transmissão vertical para futuras ações em saúde pública. Métodos: Foram revisados registros de gestantes admitidas no Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia do Hospital de Clínicas da UFTM, diagnosticadas com sífilis entre 2007 e 2016. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um formulário padronizado enfocando aspectos epidemiológicos, obstétricos e infecção congênita. A presente pesquisa foi autorizada pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. Resultados: Obteve-se 268 gestantes diagnosticadas com sífilis, com idade media de 23,6 anos, sendo a maioria de Uberaba. A assistência pré-natal foi inadequada em 37,9% dos casos. O tratamento para sífilis, de acordo com as diretrizes do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, foi realizado por 34,2% das gestantes e por 19,8% dos parceiros. Quanto aos desfechos obstétricos, observou-se que 4 (1,5%) pacientes evoluíram com abortamento e 8 (3,4%) com óbito fetal, das quais 7 não realizaram tratamento. Observou-se parto prematuro em 61 (25,9%) gestantes, e a prematuridade foi significativamente associada ao tratamento ausente/incompleto, com 49 (27,9%) casos, comparada a 12 (13,0%) casos nos quais o tratamento foi adequado (p = 0,006). Quanto aos recém-nascidos, o peso médio foi de 2.840 g, e 25,3% apresentaram peso < 2.500 g. Diagnosticou-se infecção congênita em 74,2%, dos casos, associada significativamente ao pré-natal inadequado, ao tratamento ausente/ incompleto, à prematuridade e ao baixo peso ao nascer. Conclusão: Políticas públicas de conscientização sobre pré-natal adequado, intensificação de rastreamento sorológico e tratamento precoce da sífilis são necessárias, haja vista a ascensão dos casos diagnosticados na gestação e suas consequências deletérias potencialmente evitáveis relacionadas à transmissão congênita.

Adhesion to the monitoring of newborns from VDRL positive mothers / Adesão ao acompanhamento dos recém-nascidos de mães soropositivas para o treponema pallidum

OBJECTIVE: Treponema pallidum is the etiological agent of congenital syphilis, which results from fetal contamination by the infected mothers, who were not treated or were inadequately treated during pregnancy. METHODS: An observational, prospective and longitudinal study, was performed (2010-2014), through the evaluation of 428 newborns during 18 months in a syphilis clinic from a Philanthropic Maternity Hospital in Aracaju, capital city of the Northeastern state of Sergipe, Brazil. The findings were statistically expressed as descriptive data and the statistical program used was SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of congenital syphilis was 10.02/1,000 live births. A total of 120 (28%) of newborns did not attend the first appointment. During the observational period, at 18 months, the rate of abandonment was 75%. The average interval of healing of the newborns was 4.25 months. A high prevalence of congenital syphilis was found with low adhesion to the first consultation and monitoring period; 67.1% of newborns were treated with Crystalline Penicillin (Penicillin G) and only 3% of them required a repeat treatment.

OBJETIVO: A sífilis congênita tem como agente etiológico o Treponema pallidum e resulta da contaminação do feto pela gestante infectada sem tratamento ou com tratamento inadequado. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, prospectivo, longitudinal, com a participação de 428 recém-nascidos que foram acompanhados durante 18 meses em um ambulatório de sífilis de uma Maternidade Filantrópica em Aracaju. Os achados foram estatisticamente expressos de maneira descritiva e o programa estatístico utilizado foi o SPSS. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de sífilis congênita para 1000 nascidos vivos foi de 10,02 casos. Não compareceram à primeira consulta 28,2% dos recém-nascidos. Durante o acompanhamento, aos 18 meses, o percentual de abandono foi de 75%. O intervalo médio de cura dos recém-nascidos foi de 4,25 meses. Foi encontrada uma alta prevalência de sífilis congênita com baixas adesões à primeira consulta e ao acompanhamento; 67,1% foram tratados com penicilina cristalina e apenas 3% necessitaram repetir o tratamento.

Cerebral microcalcifications in a newborn with congenital tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem worldwide. In 2012, the World Health Organization estimated 8.6 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths due to the disease. In 2011, the incidence in Colombia was 24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There is little information about tuberculosis in pregnant women, and congenital infection is considered a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose, leads to high mortality, and may be confused with tuberculosis acquired after birth. In addition, it has been associated with HIV infection in mothers and infants. Moreover, there is increasing incidence of congenital syphilis in the world. In Colombia, the prevalence is 2.5 cases per 1,000 births and its frequency in the Instituto Materno Infantil-Hospital La Victoria is one case per 57 births. We report the case of a newborn under treatment for congenital syphilis and in whom microcalcifications were found in a transfontanelar ultrasound. This finding warned about the existence of another infectious agent. PCR was negative for cytomegalovirus, and IgM titers for toxoplasma, rubella and herpes I and II were also negative. After learning about a history of incomplete treatment for tuberculosis in the mother, we suspected the presence of an infection by the tubercle bacillus in the newborn. No acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated in three gastric juice samples. The IS6110 PCR assay was found positive in cerebrospinal fluid and urine, but not in blood. The newborn was treated with crystalline penicillin for 10 days along with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin. The patient is currently under clinical monitoring.

Microcalcificaciones cerebrales en un recién nacido con tuberculosis congénita / Cerebral microcalcifications in a newborn with congenital tuberculosis

La tuberculosis es un problema grave de salud pública a nivel mundial. La Organización Mundial de la Salud estimaba que en el 2012 se habían presentado 8,6 millones de casos nuevos y 1,3 millones de muertes a causa de la enfermedad. En Colombia, la incidencia en 2011 fue de 24 casos por 100.000 habitantes. No hay información sobre la tuberculosis en las mujeres gestantes y la infección congénita se considera una enfermedad rara, de difícil diagnóstico, que genera alta mortalidad y puede confundirse con la adquirida después del nacimiento. La tuberculosis se ha relacionado con la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en madres y neonatos. Por otra parte, los casos de sífilis congénita han aumentado en el mundo y, en Colombia, la prevalencia es de 2,5 casos por 1.000 nacimientos, en tanto que, en el Instituto Materno Infantil-Hospital La Victoria, la frecuencia es de un caso por 57 nacimientos. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido en tratamiento para sífilis congénita que presentó microcalcificaciones detectadas en una ecografía transfontanelar, lo que alertó sobre la existencia de otro agente infeccioso. La prueba de PCR fue negativa para citomegalovirus, así como los títulos de IgM para toxoplasma, rubéola y herpes I y II. Dado el antecedente de un tratamiento incompleto para tuberculosis en la mujer gestante, se sospechó la presencia de infección por el bacilo de la tuberculosis. No se encontraron bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes en tres muestras de jugo gástrico, y la prueba de PCR-IS 6110 fue positiva en líquido cefalorraquídeo y en orina, pero no en sangre. El recién nacido recibió tratamiento con penicilina cristalina durante 10 días, así como con isoniacida, rifampicina, pirazinamida y estreptomicina. Actualmente se le hace seguimiento clínico.

Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem worldwide. In 2012, the World Health Organization estimated 8.6 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths due to the disease. In 2011, the incidence in Colombia was 24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There is little information about tuberculosis in pregnant women, and congenital infection is considered a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose, leads to high mortality, and may be confused with tuberculosis acquired after birth. In addition, it has been associated with HIV infection in mothers and infants. Moreover, there is increasing incidence of congenital syphilis in the world. In Colombia, the prevalence is 2.5 cases per 1,000 births and its frequency in the Instituto Materno Infantil-Hospital La Victoria is one case per 57 births. We report the case of a newborn under treatment for congenital syphilis and in whom microcalcifications were found in a transfontanelar ultrasound. This finding warned about the existence of another infectious agent. PCR was negative for cytomegalovirus, and IgM titers for toxoplasma, rubella and herpes I and II were also negative. After learning about a history of incomplete treatment for tuberculosis in the mother, we suspected the presence of an infection by the tubercle bacillus in the newborn. No acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated in three gastric juice samples. The IS 6110 PCR assay was found positive in cerebrospinal fluid and urine, but not in blood. The newborn was treated with crystalline penicillin for 10 days along with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin. The patient is currently under clinical monitoring.

Penicilina benzatina para prevenção da sífilis congênita durante a gravidez / Benzathine penicillin for prevention of congenital syphilis during pregnancy

CONTEXTO: A sífilis é uma doença sexualmente transmissível, causada pela bactéria Treponema Pallidum, infecciosa e sistêmica, a partir de sua manifestação. A infecção pode ser transmitida da mãe para o bebê ainda no útero, via transplacentária, sendo classificada como sífilis congênita, e pode resultar em diversos eventos adversos na gravidez. A penicilina benzatina é o medicamento de escolha para o tratamento da gestante com sífilis e para prevenção da sífilis congênita e já é disponibilizada pelo SUS para essa indicação. Entretanto, a incidência da sífilis congênita ainda permanece elevada no Brasil, provavelmente devido ao tratamento inadequado da sífilis materna pelo receio de ocorrência de reações anafiláticas com o uso da penicilina. EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: em pesquisa nas bases de dados Medline (via Pubmed), Biblioteca Cochrane (via Bireme) e Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) foram selecionados 5 referências sobre a eficácia e a segurança da penicilina benzatina durante a gestação: duas revisões sistemáticas de estudos de observacionais, uma coorte prospectiva e dois estudos descritivos. Os estudos mostraram que a penicilina foi altamente eficaz na redução dos eventos adversos na gravidez, relacionados à sífilis materna, e na prevenção da sífilis congênita. Em relação à segurança, os estudos não mostraram ocorrência de anafilaxia entre as gestantes tratadas e, pelos dados da população geral tratada com penicilina, o risco de anafilaxia com o uso da penicilina é muito baixo. Além disso, foi realizada uma busca por diretrizes de tratamento de reações anafiláticas. O tratamento de escolha para os casos suspeitos de anafilaxia é a adrenalina, com excelente perfil de segurança, quando administrada pela via intramuscular e em doses adequadas. TRATAMENTO RECOMENDADO: A penicilina G, administrada via parenteral, é a única terapia com eficácia documentada no tratamento de gestantes com sífilis e na prevenção da transmissão vertical da doença para o bebê, apresentando 98% de taxa de sucesso nessa prevenção. O Ministério da Saúde recomenda o uso da penicilina no tratamento da sífilis materna durante a gestação. As gestantes com alergia comprovada à penicilina, após testes de sensibilidade, devem ser dessensibilizadas e posteriormente tratadas com penicilina, em ambiente hospitalar. Na impossibilidade de tratamento com penicilina, as gestantes devem ser tratadas com eritromicina (estearato) 500 mg, por via oral; entretanto, essa gestante não será considerada adequadamente tratada para fins de transmissão fetal, sendo obrigatória a investigação e o tratamento adequado da criança logo após seu nascimento. O uso de tetraciclina, doxiciclina e estolato de eritromicina é contra-indicado na gestação. O Ministério da Saúde ainda considera como atribuições da atenção básica o tratamento de gestantes diagnosticadas com sífilis e de seus parceiros sexuais; o encaminhamento para centros de referência dos casos de alergia comprovada à penicilina e de suspeita de sífilis terciária. O tratamento da sífilis materna com outro medicamento, que não seja a penicilina, é considerado tratamento inadequado. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Os estudos mostraram que a penicilina foi altamente eficaz na redução dos eventos adversos na gravidez, relacionados à sífilis materna, e na prevenção da sífilis congênita. As reações anafiláticas ocorrem por diversos fatores desencadeantes, incluindo alimentos e outros medicamentos de uso mais comum que a penicilina. As Unidades de Atenção Básica devem estar preparadas para lidar com essas situações emergenciais e os casos mais graves devem ser encaminhados para os centros de referência. O receio de ocorrência de reação anafilática não deve ser impeditivo para a administração da penicilina. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na reunião do plenário do dia 07/05/2015 deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a manutenção da penicilina benzatina para prevenção da sífilis congênita durante a gravidez. DECISÃO: PORTARIA Nº 25, de 8 de junho de 2015 - Torna pública a decisão de recomendar a manutenção no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS da penicilina benzantina para prevenção da sífilis congênita durante a gravidez.

Gestational and congenital syphilis epidemic in the Colombian Pacific Coast.

BACKGROUND: Congenital syphilis (CS) is a major global public health problem. Buenaventura, a socioeconomically deprived municipality in the Colombian Pacific Coast, accounts for 6.6% of all CS cases in Colombia. To begin to understand the main reasons for the high rates of the disease in Buenaventura, we conducted a retrospective electronic health record analysis of all infants admitted with CS during the first 7 months of 2011 to the Hospital Departamental de Buenaventura, the city's main birthing hospital. METHODS: The diagnosis of gestational syphilis and CS was based on a predefined Colombian public health service algorithm. Clinical, laboratory, and sociodemographic parameters for all infants studied, including maternal access to prenatal care, syphilis serologic diagnosis, and adequacy of penicillin treatment, were abstracted and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 89 infants met the case definition for CS. Most mothers (80%) were affiliated with government-regulated or private health care insurance plans. While 64 (70%) of 92 attended at least 1 antenatal care visit and 59 of these 64 (84%) were screened for syphilis, only 5 (8%) of 59 received appropriate antibiotic therapy. Although most infants were asymptomatic at birth, prematurity (15/82) was common. Two infants died in the neonatal period, and 5 pregnancies ended in stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that Buenaventura has a very high incidence of CS and demonstrate that existing antenatal care gestational syphilis programs are flawed. Prevention strategies should emphasize enhanced early syphilis screening in pregnancy, preferably through the implementation of point-of-care testing in the community and same-day treatment with at least 1 dose of penicillin.

Safety of benzathine penicillin for preventing congenital syphilis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of serious adverse reactions to benzathine penicillin in pregnant women for preventing congenital syphilis. METHODS: We searched for clinical trials or cohorts that assessed the incidence of serious adverse reactions to benzathine penicillin in pregnant women and the general population (indirect evidence). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and other databases were searched up to December 2012. The GRADE approach was used to assess quality of evidence. Absolute risks of each study were calculated along with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We employed the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model in the meta-analyses. RESULTS: From 2,765 retrieved studies we included 13, representing 3,466,780 patients. The studies that included pregnant women were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of benzathine penicillin: no serious adverse reactions were reported among the 1,244 pregnant women included. In the general population, among 2,028,982 patients treated, 4 died from an adverse reaction. The pooled risk of death was virtually zero. Fifty-four cases of anaphylaxis were reported (pooled absolute risk = 0.002%; 95% CI: 0%-0.003% I(2) = 12%). From that estimate, penicillin treatment would be expected to result in an incidence of 0 to 3 cases of anaphylaxis per 100,000 treated. Any adverse reactions were reported in 6,377 patients among 3,465,322 treated with penicillin (pooled absolute risk = 0.169%; 95% CI: 0.073%-0.265% I(2) = 97%). The quality of evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: Studies that assessed the risk of serious adverse events due to benzathine penicillin treatment in pregnant women were scarce, but no reports of adverse reactions were found. The incidence of severe adverse outcomes was very low in the general population. The risk of treating pregnant women with benzathine penicillin to prevent congenital syphilis appears very low and does not outweigh its benefits. Further research is needed to improve the quality of evidence.