Abstract

DONALISIO, Maria Rita; FREIRE, June Barreiros  and  MENDES, Elisa Teixeira. Investigation of Congenital Syphilis in Sumaré Micro-region, State of São Paulo, Brazil - Unveiling the Fragile Points in Pregnant Women and Newborn Care. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2007, vol.16, n.3, pp.165-173. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742007000300003.

The objective of this study was to analyze notified cases of congenital syphilis, and to identify the vulnerable points in the obstetric and postnatal attending related to disease incidence in Sumaré micro-region, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A retrospective descriptive study was made of 45 syphilis cases in newborns and abortions, from 2003 to 2005, including medical and epidemiological records review. It were identified problems with delaying in diagnosing to make the serological testing [Veneral Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL)] to detect syphilis during pregnancy; and a delay in exam and result flow, as well as inadequate or non-existent treatment for pregnant women and their partners. Newborn hospital investigation was fast (less than five days). There was no evidence of infected women and children follow up after birth. Data reflect difficulties, and inadequate obstetric services in Sumaré micro-region. The reference hospital has a role as regional sentinel unit for identifying syphilis cases not detected or even neglected in prenatal care.

Keywords : congenital syphilis; epidemiological surveillance; sexually transmitted diseases; prenatal care.

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