Characterization of congenital syphilis cases with emphasis on the therapeutic scheme in a philanthropic maternity hospital in Espirito Santo

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is still a worldwide problem; with approximately 12 million people infected every year. Over the last decade, Brazil had an increment in the number of cases. The year 2016 reported 37,436 cases of syphilis in pregnant women and 20,474 cases of congenital syphilis, with 185 deaths. The Southeast region reached the highest numbers, especially in the state of Espirito Santo with high rates in pregnant women, being the third highest incidence rate in the country with 10.4 cases/1,000 live births, above the national average of 6.8 cases/1,000 live births. Objective: Describe the therapeutic treatment of children affected with congenital syphilis as well as the clinical, radiological and laboratory changes associated to this disease. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, exploratory, quantitative study, based on 204 notification forms of congenital syphilis from January 2016 to December 2017. Results: The findings showed that 88.7% of the puerperal women performed prenatal care. Regarding newborns, 85.3% were asymptomatic. When analyzing the therapeutic regimen instituted, 22.5% used procaine Penicillin G, 22.5% crystalline Penicillin G and 20.6% benzathine Penicillin G. Conclusion: The treatment instituted by this philanthropic maternity for newborns with congenital syphilis is in line with the guidelines proposed by the Ministry of Health. The clinical symptoms do not represent a frequent finding during the neonatal period, however, they can occur later.