Anthropometric and neurodevelopmental assessment of children with congenital syphilis: the influence of maternal treatment status during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To assess anthropometric evolution and neuropsychomotor development (DNPM) in children with congenital syphilis (CS). Method: A longitudinal and prospective study involving 66 mother/baby pairs, utilizing data from hospital discharge summaries, pregnancy cards, and quarterly outpatient follow-up appointments. Children who had not been followed up for 18 months, anoxic, premature or had a syndrome were excluded. Socioeconomic data, prenatal care, treatment, birth conditions, dietary history, anthropometric data and NPMD were collected. Results: A progressive deterioration in diet quality was observed, with 22.7% overweight/obesity, 22.4% at risk of DNPM delay, and 10.3% potentially delayed with statistical significance due to a diet rich in flour and simple carbohydrates, inadequate maternal treatment, and a higher number of children. Conclusion: Missed prenatal care opportunities and social vulnerability are related to the growth and DNPM of children with CS.