SYPHILIS IN PREGNANCY: CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN THE WESTERN MACRORREGION OF THE STATE OF PARANÁ, FROM 2011 TO 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis infection is of particular concern during pregnancy due to the risk of transplacental transmission to the fetus. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of pregnant women with syphilis in the western macroregion of Paraná, Brazil, from 2011 to 2021. Methodology: This is an ecological study with a quantitative approach, conducted using data available in the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificações. Results and Discussion: A total of 4,566 cases of gestational syphilis were recorded in the western macroregion of Paraná from 2011 to 2021. There was a predominance of women aged 20 to 39 years (n = 3,229; 70.7%). However, it is concerning the number of cases in the 15 to 19-year age group (n = 1,181; 25%). Regarding ethnicity, there was a predominance of white individuals (n = 2,797; 61.2%). Regarding education, 30.3% (n = 1,384) had incomplete primary education, and 18.8% (n = 861) had incomplete secondary education. The primary clinical form was the most predominant. There was a peak in the number of cases in 2019, with a reduction in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The municipalities with the highest number of notifications were Cascavel, Foz do Iguaçu, and Toledo. Conclusion: The results provide an epidemiological profile of syphilis in pregnant women and emphasize the ongoing need for surveillance and effective interventions to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease, ensuring better health for both mothers and babies.