Epidemiological profile of pregnant women with syphilis in the city of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Gestational and congenital syphilis are diseases that can be prevented. Practices routinely carried out in prenatal care are effective for the prevention of cases. The prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women is considered an indicator of prenatal care quality. The objective is to define the epidemiological profile of pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis in the city of Macaé ­ Rio de Janeiro from 2010 to 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study covering from 2010 to 2018 was conducted to assess the general prevalence in the period and annual incidence rates in records and database from the Care Center of Women and Children and from the Macaé Public Hospital. Results: A total of 535 cases of syphilis were reported in pregnant women. The highest number of reported cases was observed in 2018 (n = 151), with a detection rate of 38.4% per 1000 live births, meaning an increase of 37% compared to 2010. Most cases were diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy (n = 194 cases). The majority of women were aged 20-29 years (n = 322) and were housewives (n = 248). The predominant skin color was brown, accounting for 32.4% (n = 180) of the cases, followed by black skin (16.9%; n = 124). The majority of patients (n = 124) had incomplete elementary school education. The annual incidence rate of congenital syphilis increased from 1.4 to 17.2 cases per 1,000 live births between 2010 and 2018. Conclusions: There was an increased prevalence of syphilis in the city of Macaé, especially after 2015, with a peak of cases in 2018. (AU)