Syphilis Prevalence in Postpartum Women without Serological Control in the Last Month of Pregnancy and Study of its Relationship with Risk Factors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vertical transmission of syphilis can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding. In Argentina, the National System of Health Surveillance has noted an increase in reports of congenital infections, being a public health problem. OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of syphilis in postpartum women without serology in last month of gestation; to identify factors influencing syphilis prevalence; and to recognize the causes involved in inadequate syphilis antenatal control. METHODS: A total of 278 postpartum women were studied by VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test), TP-PA (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay) and a survey of socio-economic factors, risk behaviors and maternal factors in Institute of Maternity and Gynecology Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, between October 2014 and March 2015. RESULTS: Prevalence was 2.9% (95%CI: 1.5-5.6%); 3 cases were current syphilis and 5 cases were past syphilis. Risk factors for syphilis were: being young adult, being unemployed, having a low number of children and having a stillbirth. Factors that favor an adequate antenatal control were: being adult, having a high education level and being married. Having no toxic habits acted as a protective factor, and the most frequent cause of inadequate prenatal care was lack of request by doctor. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a higher prevalence than the national one (1.321%), and identified some risk factors. It would be essential to strengthen existing services of prenatal care for the prevention of syphilis transmission