A sad portrait of congenital syphilis in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Case report with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of scrapings from skin lesions and placenta fragment positive for Treponema pallidum

Introduction: Congenital syphilis is a serious public health problem that causes high rates of intrauterine morbidity and mortality, revealing flaws and weaknesses in the health system. Objective: to report a case of congenital syphilis in a university hospital in the Center-South Region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Case report: A pregnant woman, aged between 19 and 23 years old, carrying a Pregnant Woman's Handbook with a record of seven prenatal consultations and a note of the serological reaction for positive syphilis, but without any treatment, hospitalized at the University Hospital of Vassouras (RJ), in labor, gave birth to a newborn (NB) with a clinical picture and serological test of congenital syphilis. The NB required care in an intensive care unit and was discharged 28 days after birth. Scraping of skin lesions of the NB and placenta was performed for analysis by molecular biology (PCR in house) and genetic material of Treponema pallidum was detected. Conclusion: Congenital syphilis is a serious outcome of syphilis during pregnancy, consuming high financial resources and significant emotional distress for the mother, father, the whole family, as well as for the health teams. Our case report was the first that we are aware of in Brazil with a diagnosis by PCR for positive Treponema pallidum of skin scraping and placental fragment. It also showed poor quality prenatal care, a common factor in most cases of CS in our reality

Serological ineptitude in blood banks: is there an association with sexually transmitted infections? / Inaptidão sorológica em bancos de sangue: existe associação com infecções sexualmente transmissíveis?

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious public health problem, and some of these infections are also transmitted through blood transfusions. Objective: To identify publications in scientific journals in Brazil and in the world showing if there is an important association between serological inadequacy due to sexually transmitted infections traced in blood and blood products used for medical use. Methods: Systematic review of articles published from 2018 to 2023, using the LILACS, SciELO and PubMed databases, with a concomitant approach to the issues of serological disability and STI. Original studies or review articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish with Brazilian and international data were included. Editorial publications, letter to the editor, letter from the editor or comments on the subject were excluded. Results: The search found 571 articles, of which 106 (18.40%) met the inclusion criteria, that is, Serological disability and STI. In studies with international data, the prevalence of donors with hepatitis C ranged from 0.12 to 4.8%; with hepatitis B, from 1.3 to 8.2%; with HIV, from 0.0021 to 2.5%; with syphilis, from 1.73 to 2.4%; with HTLV, 0.66%; and with Chagas disease, from 0.017 to 2.76%. Among articles with Brazilian data, the prevalence of donors with seroreactive tests for hepatitis C ranged from 0.18 to 1.76%; with hepatitis B, from 0.05 to 7.9%; with HIV, from 0.03 to 0.82%; with syphilis, from 0.37 to 3.51%; with HTLV, from 0.02 to 0.3%, and with Chagas disease, from 0.8 to 0.5%. Conclusion: STIs are rarely discussed in the scientific literature in studies on serological inadequacy. In addition, a minority of articles were with Brazilian data. However, results show that STIs, despite being little discussed in the scientific literature in studies on the subject of serological inadequacy, have statistically significant percentages of seropositivity for STIs. Moreover, hepatitis C and B have a relevant seroprevalence, reaching 8.2% and 4.8%, respectively, in the international scenario. In Brazil, hepatitis B continues to occupy a prominent place with a seroprevalence of up to 7.9%. However, syphilis now holds a very important role, with a maximum percentage of 3.51%. More studies are needed for further reflection: although STIs are little addressed in studies about serological inadequacy in human blood banks, would they contribute to the maintenance and non-reduction of the general frequency of infections transmitted by blood transfusion

Introdução: As infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) são um grave problema de saúde pública e algumas dessas infecções, também, transmitidas por intermédio de transfusões de sangue. Objetivo: Identificar publicações em periódicos científicos no Brasil e no mundo sobre se existe importante associação entre inaptidão sorológica por infecções sexualmente transmissíveis rastreadas em sangue e hemoderivados usados para uso médico. Métodos:Revisão sistemática de artigos publicados no período de 2018 a 2023, usando as bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed) com abordagem concomitante para os assuntos de inaptidão sorológica e IST. Incluíram-se estudos originais ou artigos de revisão nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol com dados brasileiros e internacionais. Foram excluídas publicações do tipo editorial, carta ao editor, carta do editor ou comentários sobre o tema. Resultados:A busca localizou 571 artigos dos quais 106 (18,40%) se encaixavam nos critérios de inclusão, ou seja, inaptidão sorológica e IST. Em estudos com dados internacionais, a prevalência de doadores com hepatite C variou de 0,12 a 4,8%; com hepatite B de 1,3 a 8,2%; com HIV de 0,0021 a 2,5%; com sífilis de 1,73 a 2,4%; com HTLV 0,66%; e com doença de Chagas de 0,017 a 2,76 %. Já entre os artigos com dados brasileiros, a prevalência de doadores com exames soro-reatores para hepatite C variou de 0,18 a 1,76%; com hepatite B de 0,05 a 7,9%; com HIV de 0,03 a 0,82%; com sífilis de 0,37 a 3,51%; com HTLV 0,02 a 0,3%, e com doença de Chagas de 0,8 a 0,5%. Conclusão: As IST são pouco abordadas na literatura científica em estudos com o tema inaptidão sorológica. Além disso, uma minoria de artigos era com dados brasileiros. Entretanto, resultados demonstram que, apesar de pouco abordadas na literatura científica em estudos com o tema inaptidão sorológica, as IST possuem percentuais de soropositividade estatisticamente significativos. Além disso, as hepatites C e B possuem soroprevalência relevante, podendo chegar a 8,2 e 4,8%, respectivamente, no cenário internacional. Já no cenário nacional, brasileiro, a hepatite B continua ocupando um lugar de destaque, com soroprevalência de até 7,9%. Todavia, a sífilis passa a ocupar um papel de altíssima relevância, com percentual máximo de 3,51%. São necessários mais estudos para mais reflexão: apesar de as IST serem pouco abordadas em estudos acerca da inaptidão sorológica em bancos de sangue humano, seriam elas contribuintes para a manutenção e a não redução da frequência geral de infecções transmitidas por transfusão sanguínea?

Mpox transmitted through sexual intercourse: three case reports

Introduction: In 2022, many countries, such as Brazil, experienced outbreaks of mpox (formerly called monkeypox) in sexually active people with multiple sexual partners. Objective: Report cases of patients diagnosed with Mpox. Methods: Report three cases of patients diagnosed with Mpox treated at the STD Sector at Universidade Federal Fluminense. Results: We report three cases of young adult patients who spontaneously sought our STD service with wounds in the anogenital area, mouth and other parts of the body. These cases include a 28-year-old man (HIV positive) who had lesions on his penis and body, a 34-year-old man with perianal ulcers and adenopathy, and a 40-year-old man with painful ulcers on his penis. Conclusion: The article provides information on the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of mpox, highlighting the need for early detection, diagnosis, and prompt treatment to contain and prevent the spread of the disease. The cases presented in this study show all the characteristics of a sexually transmitted disease

Introdução: Em 2022, muitos países, como o Brasil, experimentaram surtos de mpox (anteriormente chamada de monkeypox) em pessoas sexualmente ativas com múltiplos parceiros sexuais. Objetivo: Relatar casos de pacientes diagnosticados com mpox. Métodos: Relatar três casos de pacientes com diagnóstico de mpox atendidos no Setor de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DST) da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF). Resultados: Relatam-se três casos de pacientes adultos jovens que procuraram espontaneamente o Setor de DST da UFF com feridas na região anogenital, boca e outras partes do corpo. Esses casos incluem um homem de 28 anos (HIV positivo) que apresentava lesões no pênis e no corpo, um homem de 34 anos com úlceras perianais e adenopatia e um homem de 40 anos com úlceras dolorosas no pênis. Conclusão: O artigo fornece informações sobre os sintomas, transmissão e prevenção da mpox, destacando a necessidade de detecção precoce, diagnóstico e tratamento imediato para conter e prevenir a propagação da doença. Os casos apresentados apresentam todas as características de uma doença sexualmente transmissível.

Genital ulcers caused by sexually transmitted agents,

Abstract Genital ulcers (GUs) represent a diagnostic challenge and can be secondary to neoplastic and inflammatory processes of different causes. Among those of infectious etiology, there are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a very frequent reason for seeking the health service. The most common agents are herpes simplex virus and Treponema pallidum and, more rarely, Haemophilus ducreyi, Klebsiella granulomatis and Chlamydia trachomatis. A careful dermatological examination offers important diagnostic elements; however, atypical manifestations are very common. Distinctive characteristics of ulcers to look out for include their margin, edge, bottom, and base. Regional lymph node chain alterations should be evaluated regarding their number, size, mobility, consistency, inflammation, and pain on palpation. Diagnostic tests have variable sensitivity and specificity, and molecular tests are currently considered the reference exams. The rapid immunochromatographic tests represented a significant advance, as they can be performed with blood obtained from the digital pulp, offer results in up to 30 minutes, and do not require a laboratory structure. The treatment of persons affected by GU/STIs must be immediate, as it aims to prevent complications, as well as reduce transmission. It is not always considered that people with GUs/STIs have varying degrees of depression, anxiety, and self-reproach, with an impact on relationships. Establishing a bond and trusting the professional is essential for adherence to treatment and preventive measures that must be discussed individually.

Limitation of cytology and the impact on reduction of cervical cancer / Limitação da citologia e o impacto na redução do câncer de colo uterino

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the third most common malignant tumor in the female population and the fourth cause of death from cancer in women in Brazil. The squamocolumnar junction and the transformation zone concentrate 90% of pre-invasive and invasive cervical lesions. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of cytology without cells of the squamocolumnar junction and feasibility of active search. Methods: Cross-sectional study at a university hospital between 2017 and 2018. The prevalence of cytology without squamocolumnar junction cells was calculated. A convenience sample was obtained and mean age and relationship with presence of transformation zone cells were calculated. An active search was performed and cytology collected, with estrogen preparation if indicated. Medical records of the other women were analyzed. Results: Squamocolumnar junction cells were not found in 28.84% of samples. Mean age was 53 years, without association with presence of squamocolumnar junction cells (p=0.409). Seventy-six women returned, 36 of which (47.37%) used estrogen. Level 2 or 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, microinvasive carcinoma or cancer was not identified. A total of 134 medical records were analyzed; only 36 women (26.87%) completed screening. Conclusions: The presence of squamocolumnar junction cells indicates quality of cytology; the use of estrogen in postmenopausal women favors its collection. There were difficulties in active search. An immediate repetition of cytology should be considered.

Introdução: O câncer de colo uterino é o terceiro tumor maligno mais frequente na população feminina e a quarta causa de morte de mulheres por câncer no Brasil. A junção escamo-colunar e a zona de transformação concentram 90% das lesões pré-invasoras e invasoras cervicais. Objetivo: Avaliar prevalência de colpocitologias sem células da junção escamo-colunar e a viabilidade de busca ativa. Métodos: Estudo transversal em hospital universitário entre 2017 e 2018. Calculada prevalência de citologias sem células da junção escamo-colunar. Obtida amostra por conveniência, calculada média de idade e relação com a presença da junção escamo-colunar. Realizada busca ativa e colhidas citologias com preparo estrogênico, se indicado. Analisados os prontuários das demais mulheres. Resultados: A prevalência de ausência de células da junção escamo-colunar foi de 28,84%. A média de idade foi 53 anos, sem associação com presença da junção escamo-colunar (p=0,409). Retornaram 76 mulheres e 36 (47,37%) usaram estrogênio. Não identificamos neoplasia intraepitelial cervical graus 2 ou 3, carcinoma microinvasor e câncer. Analisados 134 prontuários, dos quais apenas 36 mulheres (26,87%) concluíram o rastreio. Conclusões: A presença de células da junção escamo-colunar indica qualidade da coleta, e o uso de estrogênio na pós-menopausa favorece sua obtenção. Houve dificuldade de busca ativa. A repetição imediata da citologia deve ser considerada.

Analysis of congenital syphilis notifications in a university hospital in the city of Niterói from 2016 to 2020 / Análise das notificações de sífilis congênita em um hospital universitário na cidade de Niterói de 2016 a 2020

Introduction: The elimination of congenital syphilis is a challenge in the field of public health worldwide. The failure of previous global plans forces authorities to rethink detection and control strategies, with compulsory notification being an important tool for obtaining data. Objective: To analyze the notifications of congenital syphilis made by Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (Department of Epidemiological Surveillance at Antônio Pedro University Hospital), between January 2016 and August 2020. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, and quantitative study of data from congenital syphilis notification forms in Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro from January 2016 to August 2020. In the descriptive analysis of categorical variables, absolute and relative frequencies were used; for numerical measures, central tendency and dispersion measures were used. Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test were performed in the R software (version 4.0.3). Hills' criteria for causality were also considered. Results: Of the 67 forms examined, two were excluded due to duplication, and 48 variables were analyzed. No form was completely filled out, and some data were missing on more than 90% of them. According to maternal data, patients were mostly from Niterói (60%), had an average age of 23.09 years, and were brown (32.31%), while 13.85% did not finish 5th to 8th grade and 80% had prenatal care, but less than half had appropriate treatment indicated. As for the children: 55.38% were female, 40% brown, with an average age of 90.98 days. The great majority (72.31%) of them were born at Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, and not being born at this hospital was significant when it came to being asymptomatic (69.23%, p=0.001); the most frequent symptom was jaundice. Conclusion: Improvement in the follow-up and investigation of the reported cases can significantly decrease this high percentage of missing information, improving the quality of the data. The vast majority of patients underwent prenatal care, and therefore, they were avoidable cases, since the maternal diagnosis in the peripartum period occurs when the chance for vertical transmission has already occurred and caused consequences for the child's life.

Introdução: A eliminação da sífilis congênita é um desafio para a saúde pública mundial. A falha de planos de controle anteriores força as autoridades a repensar as estratégias, sendo a notificação compulsória ferramenta importante na obtenção de dados. Objetivo: Analisar as notificações de sífilis congênita pelo Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro no período entre janeiro de 2016 e agosto de 2020. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e quantitativo. Na análise descritiva das variáveis categóricas, foram utilizadas as frequências absolutas e relativas; já para numéricas, foram utilizadas as medidas tendência central e dispersão. Foram feitos correlação de Spearman, teste de Mann-Whitney e teste exato de Fisher com o software R (versão 4.0.3). Foram considerados os critérios de Hills para causalidade. Resultados: Das 67 fichas examinadas, duas foram excluídas por duplicidade. Foram analisadas 48 variáveis. Nenhuma ficha estava completamente preenchida, e alguns dados estavam ausentes em mais de 90%. De acordo com os dados maternos, 60% das pacientes são de Niterói, com idade de 23,09 anos em média, pardas (32,31%), 13,85% não terminou os estudos da 5ª a 8ª série e 80% fez pré-natal, porém menos da metade teve tratamento adequado indicado. Quanto às crianças, 55,38% eram do sexo feminino, 40% pardas, com idade média de 90,98 dias; 72,31% nasceram no Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. Quanto às que não nasceram nesse hospital, o local de nascimento foi significativo para que fossem assintomáticas (69,23%, p=0,001); já o sintoma mais comum foi a icterícia. Conclusão: A melhora do seguimento e investigação dos casos notificados pode diminuir significativamente essa alta porcentagem de informações ausentes, melhorando a qualidade da informação. A maioria das gestantes fez acompanhamento pré-natal e, portanto, trata-se de caso evitável, já que o diagnóstico materno no período periparto acontece quando a chance de transmissão vertical já ocorreu e já há consequências para a criança.