Abstract

ALBORNOZ, María  and  LAZARTE, Sandra. Syphilis Prevalence in Postpartum Women without Serological Control in the Last Month of Pregnancy and Study of its Relationship with Risk Factors. Rev. argent. salud pública [online]. 2018, vol.9, n.35, pp.25-32. ISSN 1852-8724.

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 of278 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.

Keywords : Maternal Syphilis; Congenital Syphilis; Pregnancy; Health Determinants.

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