Congenital syphilis distribution in the State of Tocantins, Brazil, 2007-2015^*

Abstract

Objective:

to describe the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis (CS) in Tocantins, from 2007 to 2015.

Methods:

this was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC).

Results:

1,029 CS cases were reported; mean CS incidence was 4.6/1,000 Live Births (LB), increasing from 3.1/1,000 LB in 2007 to 9.8/1,000 LB in 2015 (increase of 216.1%); municipalities located in the central and northern regions of the state had the highest rates; the majority of mothers of newborn babies were 15-24 years old, had elementary school education, started prenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy, and received inadequate prenatal care.

Conclusion:

high occurrence of congenital syphilis in Tocantins requires immediate intensification of CS surveillance and improved prenatal care quality, especially in municipalities with higher incidence.

Keywords:
Syphilis, Congenital; Prenatal Care; Epidemiology, Descriptive