VDRL-positivity and stillbirth in Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique

Abstract

55 consecutive women who had stillbirths in the Maternity Department of the Maputo Central Hospital Mozambique from October-December 1990 were tested for syphilis with the VDRL. Women with stillbirth due to known obstetric causes such as cord prolapse eclampsia or abruptio placentae were excluded. Compared to 94 controls matched for age parity and residence who delivered at the hospital in the same period 38% of women who had stillbirths had a positive VDRL of 1/8 or higher. Only 4% of the controls were positive. 55% of the index cases were in their first pregnancy 56% were age 24 or less and 27% wee age 19 or less. Only 2 had had a serologic test for syphilis. The results suggest that syphilis screening should be re-introduced into the population receiving antenatal care in Maputo City since it is cheap and the disease can be treated.