Challenges in the Contemporary Management of Syphilis among Pregnant Women in New Orleans, LA. (13th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stafford, Irene A.; Berra, Alexandra; Minard, Charles G.; Fontenot, Virginia; Kopkin, Rachel H.; Rodrigue, Eliza; Roitsch, Charles M.; Rac, Martha W.; Hill, James B.
• Other Names: Harper Diane M. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 2019(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02-13
• Subjects: Generative organs, Female -- Infections -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases in pregnancy -- Periodicals; 618.142005
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/2613962
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-7449

Abstract

Abstract : Objective . The aim of this retrospective review is to evaluate trends in the management of maternal and congenital syphilis (CS) in a tertiary care center in New Orleans, LA. Study Design . All cases of maternal and neonatal syphilis over a five year period at Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, LA, were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. Charts were reviewed for demographic and obstetrical variables, stage of syphilis at diagnosis, lab values, and treatment regimen. Newborn treatment and other outcomes were recorded. Results . During the study period 106 infected mother-baby pairs were identified. Of these, 73 charts are available for review. 41% (n = 30) of women received inadequate therapy according to their stage of disease. 9% of newborns (n = 6) were found to be symptomatic for CS; however, only 83.3% of these were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Only 20% (n = 6) of infants were adequately treated with an extended penicillin regimen if the mother was not adequately treated. Furthermore, only 63.0% of newborns had a nontreponemal titer performed. Conclusion . With rising rates of CS, strict adherence to the 2015 CDC guidelines for treatment of syphilis must be maintained.