Sífilis, VIH y hepatitis B en el binomio madre-hijo. Caracterización de casos atendidos en centros de tercer nivel del interior de Córdoba / Syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B in the Mother-Child binomial

ntroducción: Las infecciones perinatales pueden transmi-tirse al feto y al recién nacido. Sífilis, VIH y hepatitis B deben tamizarse durante la gestación.Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia, prevalencia y manejo de sífilis, VIH y hepatitis B en el binomio madre/hijo. Comparar resultados con estadísticas oficiales.Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y analítico, mediante revisión de historias clínicas del Sana-torio de la Cañada y Hospital Pasteur, Villa María, Córdoba. Período 01/12/2020 al 31/07/2021. Resultados: Se estudiaron 870 embarazos, la incidencia de sífilis materna fue 52,87/1000 embarazos, 76,1% de las gestantes eran menores de 30 años y hubo 41% de diag-nósticos tardíos. La incidencia de sífilis congénita fue de 18,3/1000 RN vivos. La incidencia de VIH materno fue de 6,89/1000 embarazos, 66,7% tenían menos de 30 años y el 77,7% tuvo carga viral indetectable al parto. El 100% de los RN expuestos fueron estudiados, todos con carga viral indetectable al nacimien-to. No hubo casos de hepatitis B.Conclusión: 6,3% de las embarazadas presentaron al me-nos una serología reactiva y el mayor porcentaje diagnós-tico se centró en menores de 30 años. La incidencia de sífilis congénita superó la provincial y nacional (18,3 vs. 1,18 vs. 1,14). El porcentaje de positividad de VIH materno superó al provincial. No hubo transmisión vertical de VIH al nacimiento. La prevalencia de hepatitis B fue menor a las oficiales

Introduction: Perinatal infections can be transmitted to the fetus and new-born. Syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B must be monitored during pregnancy.Objective: To know incidence, prevalence and management of syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B in the mother/child binomial. To compare results with official statistics.Materials and methods: Retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, through the review of medical records from Sanatorio La Cañada and Hospital Pasteur in Villa Maria, Cordoba. Period 12/01/2020 to 07/31/2021.Results 870 pregnancies were studied, the incidence of maternal syphilis was 57.87/1000 pregnancies, 76.1% of pregnant women were under 30 years old, and there were 41% late diagnoses. The incidence of congenital syphilis was 18.3/1000 live newborns. The incidence of maternal HIV was 6.89/1000 pregnancies, 66.7% were women under 30 years old and 77.7% had undetectable viral load at birth. 100% of the exposed newborns were studied, all with undetectable viral load at birth. There were no cases of Hepatitis B.Conclusion: 6.3% of pregnant women presented at least one reactive serology and the highest diagnostic percentage was focused on those under 30 years old. The incidence of congenital syphilis exceeded the provincial and national data (18.3 vs 1.18 vs 1.14). The percentage of maternal HIV positivity was superior to the provincial one. There was no vertical transmission of HIV at birth. The prevalence of Hepatitis B was less than the official ones.

Gestational syphilis at different health care levels: a cross-sectional study / Sífilis gestacional en diferentes niveles de atención de salud: un estudio transversal / Sífilis gestacional em diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde: um estudo transversal

Background and objectives: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, malformations, and neonatal death. When diagnosed and treated in the first months of pregnancy, the neonatal risks are considerably reduced. This work aims to discuss the key points regarding prevention and effective treatment of gestational syphilis at different health care levels. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study. A survey was carried out about syphilis notifications recorded at a hospital in Porto Alegre, RS, from January to June 2021, considering the variables date of diagnosis and notification and laboratory, treatment, and prenatal care data collected in hospital records and the e-SUS system. Results: In the study period, 17 cases of gestational syphilis and 102 cases in newborns were notified. We selected the case of a patient with a history of two pregnancies without prenatal care and use of psychoactive substances. This case illustrates the patient's itinerary in Primary Care, in specialized services such as the Center for Psychosocial Care and High-Risk Prenatal Care, and hospital care, showing the availability of care and, at the same time, the fragmentation of services. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary actions are needed at different health care levels to ensure access to testing for pregnant women and their partners, family planning, and adequate syphilis treatment, which interrupts the disease transmission chain and avoids possible complications of neonatal syphilis.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: A sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível que pode causar aborto, parto prematuro, malformações e morte neonatal. Quando diagnosticada e tratada nos primeiros meses da gestação, os riscos neonatais são consideravelmente diminuídos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir os pontos-chave na prevenção e no tratamento efetivo da sífilis gestacional no contexto dos diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo. Foi realizado um levantamento das notificações de sífilis em um hospital de Porto Alegre, RS, de janeiro a junho de 2021, considerando as variáveis data do diagnóstico e da notificação e dados de exames laboratoriais, de tratamento e de atendimento pré-natal, coletadas nos registros hospitalares e no sistema e-SUS. Resultados: No período do estudo, foram notificados dezessete casos de sífilis em gestantes e 102 em recém-nascidos. Selecionamos o caso de uma paciente com histórico de duas gestações sem pré-natal e uso de substâncias psicoativas. O caso ilustra o itinerário da paciente na atenção primária, em serviços especializados, como Centro de Atenção Psicossocial e Pré-Natal de Alto Risco, além do atendimento hospitalar, demonstrando a disponibilidade dos atendimentos e, ao mesmo tempo, a fragmentação dos serviços. Conclusão: São necessárias ações multidisciplinares nos diferentes níveis de atenção à saúde para garantir acesso à testagem da gestante e seus parceiros, ao planejamento familiar e ao tratamento adequado da sífilis, que interrompa a cadeia de transmissão da doença e evite possíveis complicações da sífilis neonatal.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La sífilis es una infección de transmisión sexual que puede causar aborto espontáneo, parto prematuro, malformaciones y muerte neonatal. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento en los primeros meses de embarazo lleva a una considerable reducción en los riegos neonatales. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo discutir los puntos clave en la prevención y tratamiento efectivo de la sífilis gestacional en el contexto de los diferentes niveles de atención a la salud. Métodos: Estudio transversal retrospectivo. Se realizó una encuesta de notificaciones de sífilis en un hospital de Porto Alegre (Brasil), de enero a junio de 2021, considerando las siguientes variables fecha de atención y notificación, y datos de exámenes de laboratorio, de tratamiento y control prenatal, recabadas de los registros hospitalarios y del sistema e-SUS. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio se reportaron diecisiete casos de sífilis en embarazadas y 102 en recién nacidos. Seleccionamos el caso de una paciente con antecedentes de dos embarazos sin control prenatal y consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. El caso ilustra el itinerario de la paciente por la atención primaria, por servicios especializados como el Centro de Atención Psicosocial y Atención Prenatal de Alto Riesgo, además de la atención hospitalaria, lo que demostró la disponibilidad de la atención y, al mismo tiempo, la fragmentación de los servicios. Conclusiones: Son necesarias acciones multidisciplinarias en los diferentes niveles de atención a la salud para garantizar el acceso a la prueba de la embarazada y de sus parejas, a la planificación familiar y al tratamiento adecuado de la sífilis, lo que interrumpa la cadena de transmisión de la enfermedad y evite posibles complicaciones de la sífilis neonatal.(AU)

Congenital syphilis in a preterm newborn with gastrointestinal disorders and postnatal growth restriction.

BACKGROUND: Congenital syphilis (CS) depends on the placental transmission of Treponema pallidum (TP) spirochetes from an infected mother to fetus during pregnancy. It shows a wide clinical variability with cutaneous and visceral manifestations, including stillbirths, neonatal death, and asymptomatic cases. Preterm infants with CS may have more severe features of disease than the term ones, due to the combined pathogenic effect of both CS and prematurity. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a female preterm (32+6 weeks of gestation) newborn showing most of the typical CS manifestations, in addition to gastrointestinal disorders including feeding difficulties, colon stenosis and malabsorption leading to postnatal growth restriction. The mother resulted positive at the syphilis screening test of the first trimester of pregnancy, but she did not undergo any treatment. At birth, our newborn was VDRL positive (antibody titer four times higher compared to the mother), and she was treated with intravenous benzathine benzylpenicillin G for 10 days (50,000 IU/Kg three times per day). Poor tolerance to enteral nutrition (abdominal distension, increased biliary type gastric secretions) was observed. A barium enema X-Ray identified a colon stenosis within the descending tract. However, the poor general conditions due to a concurrent fungal sepsis did not allow to perform any surgical procedure, and a conservative approach with total parenteral nutrition was started. The following evolution was marked by difficulties in enteral feeding including refusal of food and vomiting, to which also contributed the neurological abnormalities related to a perinatal asphyxia, and the affective deprivation for the physical absence of the mother during hospitalization. At 5 months of age, after the introduction of an amino acid-based formula (Neocate LCP Nutricia ®), an improvement of enteral feeding was observed, with no further and significantly decreased episodes of abdominal distension and vomiting respectively, and regular stool emission. A psychological support offered to the family allowed a more stable bond between the mother and her baby, thus providing a significant additional benefit to food tolerance and growth. She was discharged at 5 months of age, and included in a multidisciplinary follow-up. She at present shows global growth delay, and normal development apart from mildly increased tone of lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: Our report highlights less common clinical CS manifestations like gastrointestinal disorders including feeding difficulties, colon stenosis and malabsorption leading to postnatal growth delay. Moreover, it underlines how prematurity may worsen the clinical evolution of such congenital infection, due to the additional pathogenic effect of possible associated diseases and/or conditions like sepsis, hypoxic/ischemic injury, or use of drugs. CS may be observed also in high-income countries, with high rates of antenatal screening and availability of prenatal treatment. A multidisciplinary network must be guaranteed to the affected subjects, to ensure adequate care and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Congenital syphilis in a 4-month-old infant with limb weakness.

We describe a rare case of a 4-month-old girl presenting with a several month history of reduced movement to the left arm accompanied by a maculopapular rash to the limbs. X-ray findings included inflammatory periosteal changes to the radius and ulna. Treponema pallidum IgM was detected in both baby and mother, and a diagnosis of congenital syphilis was made. This case is an interesting clinical picture with a variety of important differential diagnoses, including non-accidental injury, malignancy, autoimmune disease and other congenital infections. With an increasing rate of congenital syphilis infection in the developed world, it is vital that clinicians are able to recognise symptoms to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. In this respect, we can attempt to avoid the chronic and potentially life-threatening complications of untreated infection.

Congenital syphilis unusually presenting with prematurity-related severe neonatal morbidities including meconium obstruction: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Congenital syphilis (CS) can manifest as a variety of clinical presentations according to the severity in symptomatic infants during neonatal period. Preterm neonates with CS may have more clinical evidences of infection and be more severely affected by CS compared with term ones. With increasing survival of markedly premature infants for recent decades, CS may be a challenging problem in those with severe manifestations associated with combined pathophysiologies of CS and prematurity. PATIENT CONCERNS: A very low birth weight infant at 32 weeks gestation presented with an unusual CS presentation consisting of prematurity-associated severe neonatal morbidities including meconium obstruction, prolonged cholestatic jaundice with elevated liver enzymes, and disseminated intravascular coagulation with a bleeding diathesis, in addition to common or typical manifestations of CS. DIAGNOSES: Congenital syphilis. INTERVENTIONS: Therapy consisting of a complete course of parenteral penicillin, blood component therapy, proximal ileotomy with inspissated meconium evacuation and distal loop ileostomy, and other conservative treatments. OUTCOMES: Resolution with normal gastrointestinal function and improved liver function was observed. LESSONS: This case suggests that in premature infants CS may manifest as unusual severe neonatal morbidities that may result from combination of syphilitic pathologies and contributors or conditions associated with prematurity including multisystem immaturity.

Congenital syphilis, the great imitator-case report and review.

Syphilis is caused by a spirochaete bacterium called Treponema pallidum. Vertical transmission of spirochaetes can lead to congenital infection of the fetus in pregnant women who are inadequately treated or not treated at all, causing various clinical manifestations including stillbirth and neonatal death, cutaneous and visceral manifestations, or asymptomatic infection. We present a severe case of syphilis in a 3-month-old boy with skin lesions, portal hypertension, and anaemia. Because the mother was tested negative for syphilis antibodies at 16 weeks of gestation, a diagnosis of congenital syphilis was initially not considered. This case shows that transmission of T pallidum can still occur in high-income countries with a high rate of antenatal screening. Early recognition might be hampered if physicians do not consider congenital syphilis as a possible diagnosis. Congenital syphilis should be considered in any severe and diagnostically challenging infectious disease case, even in the context of negative antenatal screening.

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.

Congenital syphilis: A contemporary update on an ancient disease.

Congenital syphilis (CS) rates reached a 20-year high in the United States in 2018. Unlike previous years, most babies diagnosed with CS were born to mothers who received prenatal care, indicative of the need for better provider education and guideline adherence. Current rates suggest that screening for syphilis should be performed at the first prenatal care visit and twice during the third trimester. There are two diagnostic algorithms available for use in the United States (traditional and reverse) and providers must understand how to perform each algorithm. Treatment should be administered according to stage of syphilis per Centers for Disease Control recommendations with best neonatal outcomes seen when treatment is initiated >30 days before delivery. Benzathine Penicillin G remains the only recommended treatment of syphilis during pregnancy. In viable pregnancies, a pretreatment ultrasound is recommended to identify sonographic evidence of fetal infection and treatment should be initiated with continuous fetal monitoring to evaluate for the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction which can cause preterm labor and fetal distress. After adequate syphilotherapy, a fourfold decline in maternal nontreponemal titers may not be observed by delivery and does not correlate with rates of CS.

Epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis in the municipality of São Luís, 2008-2017 / Perfil epidemiológico da sífilis congênita no município de São Luís (MA), 2008­2017

Introduction: Congenital syphilis is a disease of great magnitude due to increasing numbers of new annual cases, affecting a large contingent of children, which translates into high incidence rates. The occurrence of syphilis cases evidences failures in health services, especially in prenatal care. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis in the municipality of São Luís. Methods: Descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Congenital syphilis data recorded in SINAN from 2008 to 2017 were used. Results: The detection rate in the municipality shows a continuous increase. A total of 1,060 cases of congenital syphilis were diagnosed in neonates, 1,017 (96.0%) after the first week of life. Regarding the final diagnosis of cases, it was observed that 967 (91.2%) were classified as early congenital syphilis. The predominant maternal age range was 20 to 34 years, corresponding to 743 cases (70.1%). Regarding access to prenatal care, 802 (75.6%) mothers underwent prenatal care, while 219 (20.66%) did not. Among those who received prenatal care, 352 (33.0%) were diagnosed with syphilis during prenatal care, 481 (46.0%) were diagnosed at the time of delivery/curettage, and 59 (5.0%) were diagnosed after childbirth. Regarding the treatment regimen during pregnancy, 736 (70.0%) received inadequate treatment, 95 (8.0%) received no treatment and 62 (6.0%) received adequate treatment. Conclusion: The study contributed to the identification of possible losses in the stages of such care, and in obtaining qualified information that will guide decision-making and planning of health actions, supporting the epidemiological surveillance work in guiding managers and health teams.

Introdução: A sífilis congênita é uma doença de grande magnitude, pelos crescentes números de casos novos anuais, afetando grande contingente de crianças, que traduz elevadas taxas de incidência. A ocorrência dos casos de sífilis evidencia falhas dos serviços de saúde, principalmente na atenção pré-natal. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico da doença no município de São Luís. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa. Utilizaram-se dados de sífilis congênita registrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, no período de 2008 a 2017. Resultados: A taxa de detecção no município apresenta crescente aumento. Foram diagnosticados 1.060 casos em neonatos, sendo 1.017 (96%) após a primeira semana de vida. Quanto ao diagnóstico final dos casos, observou-se que 967 (91,2%) foram classificados como sífilis congênita recente. A faixa etária da mãe predominante era de 20 a 34 anos, correspondendo a 743 casos (70,1%). Quanto ao acesso ao pré-natal, 802 (75,6%) das mães fizeram prénatal, enquanto 219 (20,66%) não fizeram. Entre aquelas que fizeram, 352 (33%) tiveram diagnóstico de sífilis durante o pré-natal, 481 (46%) no momento do parto/curetagem e 59 (5%) após o parto. Em relação ao esquema de tratamento da gestante, 736 (70%) receberam tratamento inadequado, 95 (8%) não receberam tratamento e 62 (6%) receberam tratamento adequado. Conclusão: O estudo contribuiu para a identificação de eventuais perdas nas etapas desse cuidado e a obtenção de informações qualificadas, que irão nortear tomadas de decisão e planejamento das ações em saúde, subsidiando o trabalho da vigilância epidemiológica na orientação aos gestores e equipes de saúde.

Síntese de evidências qualitativas para informar políticas de saúde / Synthesis of qualitative evidence for inform health policies

Sínteses de evidências qualitativas (SEQs) têm sido crescentemente utilizadas na área da saúde e novos métodos têm proliferado. O aumento da demanda por SEQs é impulsionado principalmente pelo reconhecimento de que evidências sobre efetividade não são suficientes para melhorar a saúde, sendo preciso agregar evidências sobre as percepções dos envolvidos, além da viabilidade e componentes contextuais que obstaculizam ou favorecem implementação e equidade ­ categorias melhor exploradas por metodologias qualitativas. Este artigo introdutório fornece um panorama sobre o tema, servindo também como um roteiro para as metodologias de SEQs. Primeiramente, apresentamos elementos sobre pesquisa qualitativa primária, paradigmas, tipos de perguntas e metodologias adequadas para respondê-las. Em seguida, fornecemos informações sobre o que são SEQs, os tipos de perguntas que elas ajudam a responder, em contextos de políticas e tomada de decisões em saúde, além de exemplos sobre seu uso em processos de desenvolvimento de diretrizes e para fins de avaliação de tecnologias em saúde. Por fim, disponibilizamos um guia sintético sobre onde encontrar orientações metodológicas para a condução de diferentes aspectos do processo de revisão, incluindo como formular uma pergunta, buscar na literatura, escolher um método de síntese, avaliar a confiança nos resultados de estudos primários e achados da revisão e relatar uma SEQ.

The QualiRede intervention: improving the performance of care continuum in HIV, congenital syphilis, and hepatitis C in health regions.

INTRODUCTION: Care continuum models have supported recent strategies against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV). METHODS: HIV, HCV, and congenital syphilis care continuum models were developed, including all stages of care, from promotion/prevention to clinical control/cure. The models supported the intervention QualiRede, developed by a University-Brazilian National Health System (SUS) partnership focused on managers and other professionals from six priority health regions in São Paulo and Santa Catarina. Indicators were selected for each stage of the care continuum from the SUS information systems and from the Qualiaids and QualiAB facility's process evaluation questionnaires. The indicators acted as the technical basis of two workshops with professionals and managers in each region: the first one to identify problems and to create a Regional Technical Group; and the second one to design action plans for improving regional performance. RESULTS: The indicators are available at www.qualirede.org. The workshops took place in the regions of Alto Tietê, Baixada Santista, Grande ABC, and Registro (São Paulo) and of Foz do Rio Itajaí (Santa Catarina), which resulted in regional action plans in São Paulo, but not in Santa Catarina. A lack of awareness was observed regarding the new HIV and HCV protocols, as well as an incipient use of indicators in routine practices. CONCLUSION: Improving the performance of the care continuum requires appropriation of performance indicators and coordination of care flows at local, regional, and state levels of management.

Factors associated with inadequate follow-up of children with congenital syphilis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with outpatient follow-up of children with congenital syphilis. METHODS: A non-concurrent cohort study performed in primary care units and three reference maternity hospitals in Fortaleza (Ceará State). Data were collected from September 2013 to September 2016 in the notification forms and in the medical records of hospitalization and outpatient follow-up, and they were presented considering an adequate and inadequate follow-up. Children who attended the primary care unit or referral outpatient clinic during the period recommended by the Ministry of Health were considered adequately followed up and performed the recommended examinations. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used in the comparative analysis. The estimated risk of adequate non-follow-up was verified by simple and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The total of 460 children with congenital syphilis were notified, of which 332 (72.2%) returned for at least one appointment and were part of the study. Exactly 287 (86.4%) children attended the primary health unit; however, there was no reference to congenital syphilis in 236 (71.1%) medical records and no information on the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was found in 264 (79.5%) children. There was nonadherence to subsequent appointments by 272 (81.9%) individuals. The following variables had a statistically significant association with the non-adequate follow-up of the children: marital status of the mothers, number of prenatal appointments, number of pregnancies, blood count, and radiography of long bones. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with congenital syphilis attended primary care for follow-up, but the services do not meet the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for adequate follow-up.

Factors associated with inadequate follow-up of children with congenital syphilis / Fatores associados ao seguimento não adequado de crianças com sífilis congênita

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze factors associated with outpatient follow-up of children with congenital syphilis. METHODS A non-concurrent cohort study performed in primary care units and three reference maternity hospitals in Fortaleza (Ceará State). Data were collected from September 2013 to September 2016 in the notification forms and in the medical records of hospitalization and outpatient follow-up, and they were presented considering an adequate and inadequate follow-up. Children who attended the primary care unit or referral outpatient clinic during the period recommended by the Ministry of Health were considered adequately followed up and performed the recommended examinations. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used in the comparative analysis. The estimated risk of adequate non-follow-up was verified by simple and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS The total of 460 children with congenital syphilis were notified, of which 332 (72.2%) returned for at least one appointment and were part of the study. Exactly 287 (86.4%) children attended the primary health unit; however, there was no reference to congenital syphilis in 236 (71.1%) medical records and no information on the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test was found in 264 (79.5%) children. There was nonadherence to subsequent appointments by 272 (81.9%) individuals. The following variables had a statistically significant association with the non-adequate follow-up of the children: marital status of the mothers, number of prenatal appointments, number of pregnancies, blood count, and radiography of long bones. CONCLUSIONS Most children with congenital syphilis attended primary care for follow-up, but the services do not meet the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for adequate follow-up.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar fatores associados ao seguimento ambulatorial não adequado de crianças notificadas com sífilis congênita. MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte não concorrente, realizado em unidades de atenção primária e três maternidades de referência de Fortaleza (Ceará). Os dados foram coletados de setembro de 2013 a setembro de 2016 nas fichas de notificação e nos prontuários médicos de internamento e de seguimento ambulatorial, e apresentados considerando o seguimento adequado e não adequado. Foram consideradas adequadamente seguidas as crianças que compareceram à unidade de atenção primária ou ao ambulatório de referência no período recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde e realizaram os exames preconizados. Utilizou-se os testes qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher na análise comparativa. O risco estimado de não seguimento adequado foi verificado por regressão logística simples e múltipla. RESULTADOS Foram notificadas 460 crianças com sífilis congênita, das quais 332 (72,2%) retornaram para pelo menos uma consulta e fizeram parte do estudo. Compareceram à unidade primária de saúde 287 (86,4%) crianças; entretanto, não havia referência à sífilis congênita em 236 (71,1%) prontuários e não foram encontradas informações acerca da solicitação do exame venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) em 264 (79,5%). Houve não adesão às consultas subsequentes por parte de 272 (81,9%) indivíduos. As seguintes variáveis apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa com o seguimento não adequado das crianças: estado civil das genitoras, número de consultas no pré-natal, número de gestações, hemograma e radiografia de ossos longos. CONCLUSÕES A maioria das crianças notificadas com sífilis congênita comparecem à atenção primária para seguimento, porém os serviços não atendem às recomendações do Ministério da Saúde para o seguimento adequado.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Knowledge and Practices in the Management of Congenital Syphilis by Pediatricians in Public Maternity Hospitals in Brazil.

The study aimed to assess conformity with Brazil's standard protocol for diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the management of congenital syphilis by pediatricians in public maternity hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 with 41 pediatricians working in all the public maternity hospitals in Teresina, the capital of Piauí State, Northeast Brazil, through self-completed questionnaires. The study assessed the conformity of knowledge and practices according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health protocols. The study has made evident low access to training courses (54%) and insufficient knowledge of the case definition of congenital syphilis (42%) and rapid tests for syphilis (39%). Flaws were observed in the diagnostic workup and treatment of newborns. Requesting VDRL (88%) and correct treatment of neurosyphilis (88%) were the practices that showed the highest conformity with standard protocols. Low conformity with protocols leads to missed opportunities for identifying and adequately treating congenital syphilis. Based on the barriers identified in the study, better access to diagnostic and treatment protocols, improved recording on prenatal cards and hospital patient charts, availability of tests and medicines, and educational work with pregnant women should be urgently implemented, aiming to reverse the currently inadequate management of congenital syphilis and to curb its spread.

The QualiRede intervention: improving the performance of care continuum in HIV, congenital syphilis, and hepatitis C in health regions / A intervenção QualiRede: melhoria do desempenho do contínuo do cuidado em HIV, sífilis congênita e hepatite C em regiões de saúde

ABSTRACT Introduction: Care continuum models have supported recent strategies against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV). Methods: HIV, HCV, and congenital syphilis care continuum models were developed, including all stages of care, from promotion/prevention to clinical control/cure. The models supported the intervention QualiRede, developed by a University-Brazilian National Health System (SUS) partnership focused on managers and other professionals from six priority health regions in São Paulo and Santa Catarina. Indicators were selected for each stage of the care continuum from the SUS information systems and from the Qualiaids and QualiAB facility's process evaluation questionnaires. The indicators acted as the technical basis of two workshops with professionals and managers in each region: the first one to identify problems and to create a Regional Technical Group; and the second one to design action plans for improving regional performance. Results: The indicators are available at www.qualirede.org. The workshops took place in the regions of Alto Tietê, Baixada Santista, Grande ABC, and Registro (São Paulo) and of Foz do Rio Itajaí (Santa Catarina), which resulted in regional action plans in São Paulo, but not in Santa Catarina. A lack of awareness was observed regarding the new HIV and HCV protocols, as well as an incipient use of indicators in routine practices. Conclusion: Improving the performance of the care continuum requires appropriation of performance indicators and coordination of care flows at local, regional, and state levels of management.

RESUMO Introdução: Modelos de cuidado contínuo baseiam recentes estratégias em HIV, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e hepatite C (HCV). Métodos: Desenvolveram-se modelos de contínuo do cuidado em HIV, HCV e sífilis congênita incluindo todas as etapas da atenção, desde a promoção e a prevenção até o controle clínico/cura. O modelo baseou a intervenção QualiRede, desenvolvida em parceria entre universidade e Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), direcionada a gestores e demais profissionais de 6 regiões de saúde prioritárias em São Paulo e Santa Catarina. Selecionaram-se indicadores para cada etapa do contínuo do cuidado, provenientes dos sistemas de informação do SUS e dos questionários de avaliação de processo Qualiaids e QualiAB. Os indicadores formaram a base técnica de duas oficinas com profissionais e gestores de cada região: a primeira para identificar problemas e formar um Grupo Técnico Regional; e a segunda para construir planos de ação e metas a fim de melhorar o desempenho regional. Resultados: Os indicadores estão disponíveis no website www.qualirede.org. As oficinas ocorreram em quatro regiões de São Paulo (Alto Tietê, Baixada Santista, Grande ABC e Registro) e uma região de Santa Catarina (Foz do Rio Itajaí), resultando em planos regionais em São Paulo, mas não em Santa Catarina. Observou-se domínio limitado dos novos protocolos para HIV e HCV e uso incipiente de indicadores na rotina dos serviços. Conclusão: Melhorar o desempenho do contínuo do cuidado exige apropriação dos indicadores de desempenho e coordenação integrada dos fluxos de atenção em todos os níveis de gestão.

Serología reactiva en la embarazada. A propósito de tres casos / Reactive serology in pregnant women. Apropos of three cases

La sífilis gestacional se transmite de madre a hijo, por vía placentaria y por canal del parto. Es diagnosticada en el niño en el momento del nacimiento, esta transmisión hematógena del treponema pallidum de la gestante no tratada o tratada inadecuadamente a su recién nacido, se denomina sífilis congénita. Entre las estrategias del Ministerio de Salud Pública está prevenir la transmisión materna de la sífilis al feto, o al menos, tratarla en útero. Para lograr este propósito debe garantizarse la realización de serologías a la gestante y al esposo. Múltiples pueden ser las causas de una serología reactiva pero siempre se debe pensar en la sífilis. Se presentan tres casos de sífilis en gestantes y su seguimiento en área de salud (AU).

Gestational syphilis is transmitted from mother to child via the placenta and the birth canal. It is diagnosed in the child at the moment of birth. This hematogenous transmission of the treponema pallidum from the non-treated or inadequately treated pregnant woman to her new born child is called congenital syphilis. Preventing the maternal transmission of the syphilis to the fetus, or at least treating it in the uterus, is among the strategies of the Ministry of Public Health. To achieve this purpose serology should be carried out to the pregnant woman and her husband. The causes of a reactive serology might be different, but it is always necessary to thing of syphilis. Three cases of syphilis in pregnant women are presented and also their follow-up in a health area (AU).

Serología reactiva en la embarazada. A propósito de tres casos / Reactive serology in pregnant women. Apropos of three cases

La sífilis gestacional se transmite de madre a hijo, por vía placentaria y por canal del parto. Es diagnosticada en el niño en el momento del nacimiento, esta transmisión hematógena del treponema pallidum de la gestante no tratada o tratada inadecuadamente a su recién nacido, se denomina sífilis congénita. Entre las estrategias del Ministerio de Salud Pública está prevenir la transmisión materna de la sífilis al feto, o al menos, tratarla en útero. Para lograr este propósito debe garantizarse la realización de serologías a la gestante y al esposo. Múltiples pueden ser las causas de una serología reactiva pero siempre se debe pensar en la sífilis. Se presentan tres casos de sífilis en gestantes y su seguimiento en área de salud (AU).

Gestational syphilis is transmitted from mother to child via the placenta and the birth canal. It is diagnosed in the child at the moment of birth. This hematogenous transmission of the treponema pallidum from the non-treated or inadequately treated pregnant woman to her new born child is called congenital syphilis. Preventing the maternal transmission of the syphilis to the fetus, or at least treating it in the uterus, is among the strategies of the Ministry of Public Health. To achieve this purpose serology should be carried out to the pregnant woman and her husband. The causes of a reactive serology might be different, but it is always necessary to thing of syphilis. Three cases of syphilis in pregnant women are presented and also their follow-up in a health area (AU).