Syphilis cases in pregnant women in a city in Bahia: Ecological study

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational syphilis is a preventable disease, through the provision of health services together with the population. Its late diagnosis favors the mother's infection to the fetus causing several unfavorable outcomes. Objective: To describe the cases of syphilis in pregnant women notified in Feira de Santana, Bahia, in the period from 2013 to the first semester of 2018. Methods: Epidemiological, descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data obtained from the Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). Results: The frequency of syphilis in pregnant women showed an increasing trend. Sociodemographically, the 20-34 age group was the most susceptible to being affected by the disease. Most of them were diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy and the treatment regimen was more frequent with Penicillin G Benzatin with three doses. Conclusion: Specific attention to pregnant women is extremely important for proper treatment, as its lack or late institution can culminate in vertical transmission. The search for adequate treatment for the pregnant woman and her partner, as well as an effective prenatal care and an updated and trained health team are necessary to reduce the rates of pregnant women with syphilis and, consequently, transmission to the fetus.