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.