Translational Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Syphilis and Miscarriage: A Study of 879,831 Pregnant Women in Brazil

Carlos Augusto de Oliveira Botelho, Benigno Alberto Moraes da Rocha, Carlos Augusto de Oliveira Botelho Júnior, Genato Renato Alvaro, Fernando Saab, Luciana de Oliveira Botelho, Luciana de Oliveira and Rivaldo Venâncio Cunha

Objective: Syphilis is a predominantly sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It may seriously complicate pregnancy and result in miscarriage. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, ecological study including 879,831 pregnant women who underwent prenatal screening from 2003 to 2016 was performed in the state of Goiás, located in the Central-West region of Brazil, with a population estimated at 6.7 million. Results: The main finding was a much higher prevalence of syphilis among those who reported miscarriage (1.28%) compared to those who did not report miscarriage (0.71%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Participation in the study by pregnant women was very good. Of 1,308,411 pregnant women who were expected to participate, 879,831 were screened during this period, for a prevalence of 67.17%. Of 821,735 women selected for this study, 112,260 (13.66%) reported a miscarriage.