Preventing Congenital Syphilis - Opportunities Identified by Congenital Syphilis Case Review Boards

Abstract

Background Louisiana has had the highest rates of congenital syphilis (CS) in the nation since 2012. Congenital syphilis case review boards were established statewide in 2016 to study CS cases and identify interventions. Methods We summarized the findings of CS review boards, assessed which cases were preventable by prenatal care providers, reviewed recommended interventions, and assessed subsequent improvement in provider practices. Results All 79 CS cases reported from January 2016 to July 2017 were reviewed by boards during August 2016 to August 2017. Twenty-six (33%) cases that could have been prevented by prenatal care providers had: lack of rescreening at 28 to 32 weeks (n = 15), lack of any screening (n = 5), treatment delay (n = 4), or incorrect interpretation of test results (n = 2). Twenty-one (27%) cases were possibly preventable by providers including: mother did not return for follow-up and treatment (n = 19), late third trimester reactive test with premature delivery (n = 1), or incomplete treatment and lack of follow-up by health department staff (n = 1). Thirty-two (40%) cases that were unlikely to be prevented by providers had: nonreactive test at 28-32 weeks then reactive test <30 days before delivery (n = 10), no prenatal care (n = 9), mother adequately treated, case by infant criteria (n = 8), first/second trimester nonreactive, reactive at preterm delivery (n = 4), or mother adequately treated, reinfected before delivery (n = 1). Providers were advised to adhere to CDC recommended syphilis screening and treatment protocols and rapidly report pregnant women with syphilis. Many providers changed their procedures. Conclusions Congenital syphilis case review boards identified practices with inadequate screening, treatment, or reporting. Sharing these findings with providers changed practices and may prevent future cases.