FETAL DEATHS DUE TO CONGENITAL SYPHILIS: A 10-YEAR CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

Congenital syphilis (CS) results from the vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum from the mother to the fetus, causing severe complications such as congenital anomalies and fetal deaths. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Paraná between 2012 and 2022, analyzed 149 fetal deaths due to CS, using secondary data from the SUS Mortality Information System. The research aims to evaluate the prevalence of CS, aiming to improve the quality of health services in the state. The data included factors such as maternal age and gestational stage, related to the number of fetal deaths. The results indicate that most fetal deaths occurred before birth, between the 28th and 36th weeks of pregnancy. It was observed that younger pregnant women are at higher risk of fetal deaths, and maternal age was negatively correlated with the number of deaths. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment during pregnancy to reduce CS-related mortality.