Publication:

Retrospective analysis of burden of maternal syphilis and the outcome in the fetus in a tertiary care centre

Background Syphilis in pregnancy has its own significance with regards to the outcome of pregnancy. In the meanwhile, it also reflects the effectiveness of health system in the community.

Methods A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care centre in Chennai between January 2014 and July 2015 to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women. A total of 4423 ANC mother attending the hospital were included in the study.

Results Of the 4423 cases studied, 7 cases were found to be positive for RPR accounting to the prevalence of 0.15%. One mother was symptomatic, presenting with condyloma lata. TPHA was positive in 2 cases (28.5%) Most common association was with HIV infection, 2/7 (28.5%). All the RPR positive patients were treated with tablet erythromycin 500 mg qid × 14 days. Epidose for the partner was given. The outcome was uneventful except for one. A single case of congenital syphilis was reported.

Conclusions Though the prevalence of RPR positive in routine screening is less, the outcome of single congenital syphilis is worrisome. To conclude, although the prevalence of syphilis (0.1%) is low, routine screening of asymptomatic ante natal women is recommended to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis & perinatal complications and it is always better to treat the ANC mothers with syphilis with Penicillin, preferably with a second dose also.