Characteristics of Mothers of Live Infants with Congenital Syphilis in Florida, 1987–1989

Abstract

The incidence of congenital syphilis in Florida increased sixfold from 1985 through 1989, and more than 80% of the cases occurred in metropolitan areas of southern Florida. To characterize the population of pregnant women in Florida at high risk of delivering an infant with congenital syphilis, the authors conducted a case-control study using birth certificates. Birth certificates were obtained for 256 of the 344 live infants reported as having congenital syphilis from 1987 through 1989 (74%); the 246 of these infants born in hospitals were matched for hospital and week of birth with an equal number of controls. In conditional multiple logistic regression, the following maternal characteristics were independent risk factors for congenital syphilis: young age, black race, single marital status, absence of a father's name on the birth certificate, previous pregnancy, substance abuse, and lack of prenatal care. Although the national origin of the mother was not a significant risk factor, the infants of black mothers born in the United States were at greater risk than the infants of black mothers born outside the United States. Mothers who had < or = 3 prenatal visits had an increased risk of delivering an infant with congenital syphilis as compared with mothers who had > 3 visits. This study suggests that targeted outreach efforts are necessary to control congenital syphilis and provides guidance for public health intervention activities.

Congenital syphilis in the Russian Federation: magnitude, determinants, and consequences

“…[17][18][19] Recognised risk factors include lack of prenatal care, late entry into prenatal care, failure to repeat syphilis testing early during the third trimester, previous delivery of an infant with congenital syphilis, previous stillbirth, use of injecting drugs, exchange of sex for drugs or money, having an unwanted pregnancy, young age, rural residence, being unmarried, and having no father's name on the birth certificate. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] We found several related risk factors-namely, lack of prenatal care and serological testing for syphilis after 28 weeks' gestation, in our study population. Our findings regarding high rates of fetal or infant death among untreated or inadequately treated mothers in the Russian Federation are also similar to those previously reported.…”

Effectiveness of Prenatal Screening and Treatment to Prevent Congenital Syphilis, Louisiana and Florida, 2013–2014

“…12 However, in high-morbidity areas where third-trimester testing is cost-effective and required by law, it is often underused. 14,16,28 Given the high levels of morbidity, continuing to recommend and promote third-trimester screening in LA and FL could prevent additional CS cases and be economically viable. 12,25 …”

Declines in Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth Among Infants Who Were Born to HIV-Infected Women During an Era of Increased Use of Maternal Antiretroviral Drugs: Pediatric Spectrum of HIV Disease, 1989–2004

“…4 LBW is higher among certain risk groups, including women who use illicit drugs and/or have sexually transmitted diseases. 5 Among US HIV-infected women, LBW percentages have been reported between 12% and 48%. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Among US infants of HIV-infected women, reported prevalences of preterm birth are 13% to 38.3%.…”