Syphilis and pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital syphilis remains a significant challenge for maternal and child health services globally.
• Rising syphilis rates in the general population directly correlate with increased congenital syphilis cases, posing a public health concern.
• Despite being notifiable diseases, syphilis and congenital syphilis control measures have not yet reduced their incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the multifactorial reasons behind the persistent failure to control congenital syphilis.
• To highlight deficiencies in education, professional training, and quality control in antenatal and postnatal care for syphilis.
• To address the challenges associated with the effective treatment of syphilis in pregnant women, particularly concerning benzathine penicillin.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific evidence on congenital syphilis control and treatment protocols.
• Analysis of factors contributing to treatment failure and quality control lapses.
• Examination of public health policies and educational strategies related to syphilis prevention and management.

Main Results:

• Failure to control congenital syphilis is multifactorial, stemming from educational deficits and inadequate quality control in healthcare.
• Benzathine penicillin is the sole recommended treatment for syphilis in pregnant women, yet fear of anaphylaxis impedes its administration.
• Despite published protocols, high-frequency failures in treating syphilis during pregnancy indicate systemic quality control issues.

Conclusions:

• Effective control of congenital syphilis requires addressing educational gaps and strengthening quality assurance in antenatal care and follow-up.
• Overcoming the fear of anaphylaxis and ensuring consistent adherence to treatment protocols are crucial for managing syphilis in pregnant women.
• A comprehensive approach involving education, policy enforcement, and rigorous quality control is necessary to reduce congenital syphilis rates.