ANALYSIS OF THE PROFILE OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL FROM 2013 TO 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital syphilis is an infection caused by Treponema pallidum, transmitted during pregnancy or childbirth. In Brazil, according to the Ministry of Health, the Southern region reported a rate of 9.8 cases per 1,000 live births. The disease can manifest as early or late syphilis or as stillbirth, with diagnosis made through the VDRL test during prenatal care, which is essential for effective interventions. Objective: To analyze the profile of congenital syphilis in the Southern region of Brazil from 2013 to 2023. Method: This is an ecological-temporal study on congenital syphilis in the Southern region, based on secondary data from SINAN-DATASUS from 2013 to 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Results: During the analyzed period, the Southern region of Brazil recorded 31,728 cases of congenital syphilis. The predominant maternal age group was between 20 and 24 years, with an education level of less than eight years. Most pregnant women attended prenatal care, with 71.03% of cases diagnosed during this period. Among the reported cases, 29,105 were classified as recent syphilis, and 99.8% of the infants were diagnosed before reaching one year of age. Regarding deaths, the mortality rate in the Southern region was 40.76 death notifications per 100,000 live births. Despite high prenatal care coverage, concerns remain regarding late diagnoses and/or inadequate treatments, which may contribute to the worsening of the disease. Conclusion: Congenital syphilis shows a concerning increase in the Southern region, with high notification rates, including deaths. Despite public policies aimed at controlling the disease, the data highlight the urgent need to intensify health education efforts, emphasizing the importance of diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment as fundamental strategies to reduce vertical transmission.