Características epidemiológicas de la sífilis congénita en Gran Canaria. ¿Es necesario el cribado?

Abstract

Objectives To determine the incidence of syphilis infection in pregnant women and neonates and to identify the social and epidemiological characteristics of pregnant women with a diagnosis of syphilis, as well as the risk factors for congenital syphilis in Gran Canaria. Method A case-control study was performed over a 6-year period (January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1999). The study was performed using controls (mother-child pairs) to evaluate differences in sociocultural and health characteristics, prenatal care, toxic substance abuse before and during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and delivery. For the comparison of variables, Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon’s test and the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used. The evolution of syphilis rates in pregnant women and of congenital syphilis was analyzed through a Poisson regression model. Results The incidence of women with syphilis during pregnancy was stable. Prenatal care was adequate in 98% of the women in the control group and in only 66% of mothers with syphilis during pregnancy (p < 0.0001). Factors associated with infection were drug abuse and having a history of prior sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnant women with syphilis had shorter pregnancies (1 week less, on average) than women in the control group and a higher rate of prematurity. Conclusions The incidence of syphilis in our environment is particularly high: 3.38 cases per thousand inhabitants. Among maternal characteristics, the main independent risk factors for syphilis infection during pregnancy were drug abuse during pregnancy and having a history of prior sexually transmitted diseases.