Abstract
Objective:
To analyze temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás State, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017.
Methods:
This was an ecological time series and spatial distribution study with data obtained from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System. Prais-Winsten Regression was used to analyze indicator trends by health macro-region. Descriptive spatial analysis was performed to verify case distribution in three different years in the period.
Results:
Between 2007 and 2017, 7,679 cases of syphilis in pregnancy and 1,554 congenital syphilis cases were reported. A rising trend was found in the rates of syphilis in pregnancy (annual percent change [APC] = 18.0 – 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 15.3;20.8) as well as in congenital syphilis rates (APC=16.8 – 95%CI 20.1;33.8); and a 326% increase in the number of municipalities with a congenital syphilis incidence rate >0.5/1,000 live births.
Conclusion:
Growth in syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis detection rates was identified, as was growth in the number of municipalities reporting cases.
Keywords:
Syphilis; Syphilis, Congenital; Pregnant Women; Time Series Studies; Geographic Mapping
Introduction
Syphilis has been a serious health problem since it was discovered in 16th century Europe until the present day when prevalence is now estimated as being 6.3 million new cases (2016 data), including 0.69% pregnant women, resulting in 200,000 cases of perinatal death.11. Neto BG, Soler ZASG, Braile DM, Daher W. A sífilis no século XVI- o impacto de uma nova doença. Arq Ciênc Saúde [Internet]. 2009 set [citado 2019 maio 5];16(3):127-9. Disponível em: http://repositorio-racs.famerp.br/racs_ol/vol-16-3/IDJ5.pdf
http://repositorio-racs.famerp.br/racs_o... ,22. Korenromp EL, Rowley J, Alonso M, Mello MB, Wijesooruya NS, Mahiané SG, et al. Global burden of maternal and congenital syphilis and associated adverse birth outcomes - Estimates for 2016 and progress since 2012. PLoS One [Internet]. 2019 Feb [cited 2020 jul 15];14(2):e0211720. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211720
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.021...
In Brazil, surveillance of congenital syphilis and syphilis in pregnancy has been compulsory since 1986 and 2005, respectively, by means of official notification on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN).33. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Portaria MS/GM nº 33, de 14 de julho de 2005. Inclui doenças à relação de notificação compulsória, define agravos de notificação imediata e a relação dos resultados laboratoriais que devem ser notificados pelos Laboratórios de Referência Nacional ou Regional [Internet]. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília (DF), 2005 jul 15 [citado 2019 jun 8];Seção I:111. Disponível em: http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/svs/2005/prt0033_14_07_2005.html
http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis... ,44. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Portaria MS/GM nº 542, de 22 de dezembro de 1986. Inclui na relação de doenças de notificação compulsória no território nacional [Internet]. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília (DF), 1986 dez 24 [citado 2019 jun 8]:19827. Disponível em: http://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/ses/resource/pt/crt-3619
http://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/ses/resource... Congenital syphilis can have serious repercussions for the health of the fetus, hence the global efforts to address it, expressed in the definition of the goal of reducing vertical transmission of syphilis to rates below 0.5 cases per 1,000 live births.11. Neto BG, Soler ZASG, Braile DM, Daher W. A sífilis no século XVI- o impacto de uma nova doença. Arq Ciênc Saúde [Internet]. 2009 set [citado 2019 maio 5];16(3):127-9. Disponível em: http://repositorio-racs.famerp.br/racs_ol/vol-16-3/IDJ5.pdf
http://repositorio-racs.famerp.br/racs_o... ,55. Pan American Health Organization - PAHO. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in the Americas 2016 [Internet]. Washington, D.C.: Pan American Health Organization; 2017 [cited 2020 Aug 31]. 62 p. Available from: http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/34072/9789275119556enpdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y
http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/bitstream/han...
Guidance documents on management of syphilis care and public policies to combat syphilis have been prepared in recent years. A review which analyzed guidelines for management of syphilis in pregnancy in World Health Organization (WHO) member countries found 64 guidelines with recommendations on management of syphilis in pregnant women published over a 15-year period.66. Trinh T, Leal AF, Mello MB, Taylor MM, Barrow R, Wi TE, et al. Syphilis management in pregnancy: a review of guideline recommendations from countries around the world. Sex Reprod Health Matters [Internet]. 2019 Dec [cited 2020 Jul 15];27(1):69-82. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2019.1691897
https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2019.16...
Following the same global perspective of the fight against syphilis and other maternal and infant health conditions, the Stork Network (Rede Cegonha) was set up in Brazil in 2011 to provide actions and services with the aim of offering humanized health care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period and ensuring the right to safe childbirth and healthy child growth and development. Implementation of Rede Cegonha led to expansion of prenatal screening for syphilis, by means of decentralizing rapid tests to Primary Health Care services so as to increase detection capacity.77. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Portaria MS/GM no 1.459, de 24 de junho de 2011. Institui, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS - a Rede Cegonha [Internet]. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília (DF), 2011 jun 27 [citado 2019 jun 8];Seção I:109. Disponível em: https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/gm/2011/ prt1459_24_06_2011
https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegi...
With the aim of strengthening the policy on preventing mother and child morbidity and mortality in Brazil, the federal and state governments have organized a variety of actions included in the Agenda for a Rapid Response to Syphilis in Health Care Networks, which was launched in 2017.88. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Departamento de Vigilância, Prevenção e Controle das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, do HIV/Aids e das Hepatites. Agenda de ações estratégicas para redução da sífilis no Brasil [Internet]. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2017 [citado 2020 jul 15]. 34 p. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2017/agenda-de-acoes-estrategicas-para-reducao-da-sifilisno-brasil
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2017/ag... Also in 2017, the state of Goiás set up its Mother-to-Child Syphilis Transmission Investigation Committee by means of Ordinance GAB/SES-GO No. 512, dated June 12th 2017, with the aim of investigating, planning and monitoring congenital syphilis prevention and control actions in the state.99. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Protocolo de investigação de transmissão vertical [Internet]. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014 [citado 2020 ago 5]. 83 p. Disponível em: Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2014/protocolo-de-investigacao-de-transmissao-vertical
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2014/pr... ,1010. Goiás. Secretaria de Estado da Saúde. Portaria SES/GAB nº 512, de 12 de junho de 2017. Institui o Comitê de Investigação de Transmissão Vertical de Sífilis, HIV e Hepatites B e C no Estado de Goiás e dá outras providências [Internet]. Diário Oficial do Estado de Goiás, Goiânia (GO), 2017 jun 12 [citado 2020 jul 16]. Disponível em: https://www.saude.go.gov.br/images/imagens_migradas/uploads/2017/10/portaria-no-512.pdf
https://www.saude.go.gov.br/images/image...
Diverse studies have been published showing the evolution of congenital syphilis and syphilis in pregnancy on the national scenario, in the states and in the Federal District. It should be noted that studies on the regions of individual states will be important references for comparison when evaluating recent strategies proposed, identifying progress achieved and persistent challenges, with the aim of eliminating syphilis at the local level.
The objective of this study was to assess the temporal trend and spatial distribution of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás State, Brazil, between 2007 and 2017.
Methods
This was an ecological time series and spatial distribution analysis study, intended to assess the temporal trend and geographical distribution of the detection rate of syphilis in pregnancy and the incidence rate of congenital syphilis in Goiás state in the Midwest region of Brazil between 2007 and 2017.
According to the 2015 demographic census, Goiás’ population was estimated as being 6,778,772 inhabitants, distributed over 246 municipalities which are divided into five health macro-regions: Northeast, Center-West, Center-North, Center-Southeast and Southwest. Goiás’ demographic density is 17.6 inhab. per km2, and its human development index is 0.73, coming in 8th place among the Brazilian states.1111. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE. Estados@ Goiás [Internet]. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2015 [citado 2020 ago 31]. Disponível em: http://www.ibge.gov.br/estadosat/perfil.php?lang=&sigla=go
http://www.ibge.gov.br/estadosat/perfil....
The criteria for notifying syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis underwent changes during the period studied. The previous definition was used up until 2014;1212. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Guia de Vigilância em Saúde: volume único [Internet]. 3. ed. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2019 [citado 2020 ago 31]. 740 p. Disponível em: https://portalarquivos2.saude.gov.br/images/pdf/2019/junho/25/guiaigilancia-saude-volume-unico-3ed.pdf
https://portalarquivos2.saude.gov.br/ima... while new criteria were used in the period from 2015 until 2017. Among the changes, absence of information on treatment of the mother’s sex partner ceased to be one of the criteria for notifying congenital syphilis, so that only cases of sex partners known not to have been treated for syphilis continued to be notified; apart from that, the definition of syphilis in pregnancy now includes women detected in the postpartum period.1313. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Sífilis 2018. Bol Epidemiol [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2020 ago 31];49(45):1-48. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/boletimepidemiologicode-sifilis-2018
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/bo...
The population of this study was comprised of all cases of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis notified in the municipalities of Goiás state between 2007 and 2017.
The indicators analyzed were the detection rate of syphilis in pregnancy and the incidence rate of congenital syphilis for Goiás as a whole and for each of the state’s macro-regions.
The calculations were performed as follows:
a) Detection rate of syphilis in pregnancy (per 1,000 live births)
Numerator – number of notified cases of syphilis in pregnancy, in a given year of diagnosis and place of residence.
Denominator – total number of live births born to mothers resident in the same place in the same year. Multiplication factor: 1000
This indicator measures annual frequency of syphilis in pregnancy and guides planning of epidemiological surveillance actions for syphilis control.1313. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Sífilis 2018. Bol Epidemiol [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2020 ago 31];49(45):1-48. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/boletimepidemiologicode-sifilis-2018
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/bo...Incidence rate of congenital syphilis (per 1,000 live births)
Numerator – number of notified cases of congenital syphilis in infants under one year old, in a given year of diagnosis and place of residence.
Denominator – total number of live births born to mothers resident in the same place in the same year.
Multiplication factor: 1,000
This indicator measures risk of occurrence of new cases of congenital syphilis due to vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum.1313. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Sífilis 2018. Bol Epidemiol [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2020 ago 31];49(45):1-48. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/boletimepidemiologicode-sifilis-2018
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/bo...
Cases of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Goiás were retrieved from the SINAN system, while the number of live births was retrieved from the Live Birth Information System (SINASC). Both information systems are available on the website of the National Health System Information Technology Department (DATASUS).
The data were analyzed using the Stata statistical software, version 14.0, and the TerraView program to produce maps. With regard to the temporal trend element of the study, the analysis units were individual years in the period 2007-2017, thus comprising 11 points on the time series; trend was examined for Goiás as a whole and for each of the state’s macro-regions. Prais-Winsten linear regression with robust variance was used. In the regression analysis, the dependent variable ‘Y’ was considered to be the indicators analyzed (syphilis in pregnancy detection rate and congenital syphilis incidence rate), while the independent variable ‘X’ was taken to be the year of the study, based on the following linear regression equation:1414. Antunes JLF, Cardoso MRA. Uso da análise de séries temporais em estudos epidemiológicos. Epidemiol Serv Saúde [Internet]. 2015 set [citado 2019 fev 12];24(3):565-76. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742015000300024
https://doi.org/10.5123/S1679-4974201500...
Where:
Log(Yt) corresponds to the value
β0 is the constant or intercept
β1 is the coefficient of linear trend
X is the residual
The trends were classified as rising, falling or stationary. Trends were considered to be stationary in cases in which the p-value was not significant in the trend analysis. In cases in which p was significant, the trend was considered to be rising if β1was positive, while the trend was considered to be falling if β1was negative.
Statistical significance was established by the regression t test. P-values<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.
Once the trend analysis had been performed, spatial analysis of the syphilis in pregnancy detection rates and congenital syphilis incidence rates was then undertaken. The unit of analysis for spatial distribution was comprised of Goiás’ 246 municipalities. Spatial analysis was conducted using data from three of the years comprising the study period: 2007 (first year), 2012 (midway) and 2017 (last year), with the aim of verifying spatial evolution in the period. When analyzing congenital syphilis, the municipalities were classified as having rates <0.5 or ≥0.5 cases of congenital syphilis per 1,000 live births. This was done to check whether or not the Millennium Development Goal was being met, i.e. reduction of congenital syphilis incidence to below 0.5/1,000 live births.55. Pan American Health Organization - PAHO. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in the Americas 2016 [Internet]. Washington, D.C.: Pan American Health Organization; 2017 [cited 2020 Aug 31]. 62 p. Available from: http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/34072/9789275119556enpdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y
http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/bitstream/han... When analyzing the syphilis in pregnancy detection rate, the municipalities were classified taking the mean rate in Goiás in the period (<5.0 or ≥5.0/1,000 live births). Presence of global spatial dependence in each year analyzed was verified using Moran’s global index.1515. Moran PAP. Notes on continuous stochastic phenomena. Biometrika [Internet]. 1950 Jun [cited 2020 Aug 31];37(1/2):17-23. Available from: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2332142?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2332142?seq... This method measures the correlation of a variable with itself in space, varying between -1 and +1: values close to zero indicate spatial randomness, while positive values indicate positive spatial autocorrelation and negative values indicate negative spatial autocorrelation. The spatial analyses were conducted using ArcGIS, version 10.5.
Results
Between 2007 and 2017, 7,679 cases of syphilis in pregnancy and 1,554 cases of congenital syphilis were notified in Goiás. Taking the state as a whole, an increase was found in the syphilis in pregnancy detection rate, from 2.8 in 2007 to 14.8/1,000 live births in 2017 (Figure 1). The congenital syphilis incidence rate rose 0.3 in 2007 to 2.9/1,000 live births in 2017, as shown in Figure 2.
Table 1 shows the analysis of the trends of the syphilis in pregnancy detection rate and the congenital syphilis incidence rate between 2007 and 2017. A statistically significant rising trend was found in the syphilis in pregnancy detection rate in the state of Goiás (APC 18.0% – 95%CI 15,3;20,8), as well as in each of the state’s health macro-regions: Center-West (APC 18.2% – 95%CI 14.7;21.8), Northeast (APC 12.1% – 95%CI 5.8;18.6), Center-North (APC 20.0% – 95%CI 12.4;28.0), Southwest (APC 15.4% – 95%CI 3.2;29.2) and Center-Southeast (APC 22.2% – 95%CI 5.3;41.8).
Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis detection rate trends by health macro-region, Goiás state, 2007-2017
A statistically significant rising trend was also found for the congenital syphilis detection rate for Goiás state as a whole between 2007 and 2017: APC 16.8% – 95%CI 20.1;33.8. A rising trend was also found for the majority of the state’s health macro-regions (APC 40.2% – 95%CI 33.1;47.6), Center-North (APC 24.1% – 95%CI 17.6;31.0), Southwest (APC 45.5% – 95%CI 31.4;61.0) and Center-Southeast (APC 33.4% – 95%CI 4.3;70.7). In the Northeast macro-region, the congenital syphilis detection rate was stationary: APC -1.4% – 95%CI -17.7;18.3 (Table 1).
Figure 3 shows the analysis of the spatial distribution of the syphilis in pregnancy detection rates in 2007, 2012 and 2017. The municipalities were classified according to the mean syphilis in pregnancy detection rate in the period analyzed (≅5.0). An increase was found in the syphilis in pregnancy detection rate between the three years selected from the time series. In 2007, 26 (10.6%) municipalities had detection rates ≥5.0 cases per 1,000 live births in Goiás. In 2012, this had risen to 67 (27.2%) municipalities and to 147 (59.8%) municipalities in 2017. According to Moran’s global index, calculated for the years 2007 (I = 0.006; p = 0.390), 2012 (I = 0.075; p = 0.060) and 2017 (I = 0.010; p = 0.280), the municipalities were spatially independent which regard to the change in the incidence rate, indicating absence of spatial clusters of syphilis in pregnancy in Goiás.
Spatial distribution of the syphilis in pregnancy detection rate (per 1000 live births), by municipalities of Goiás state, 2007 (A), 2012 (B) and 2017 (C)
Figure 4 shows the analysis of the spatial distribution of the congenital syphilis incidence rates also in 2007, 2012 and 2017. The analyses highlight the increase in the number of municipalities with a congenital syphilis incidence rate ≥0.5 cases per 1,000 live births, over the period between the three years selected. In 2007, 15 (6.0%) municipalities had rates higher than the millennium goal for congenital syphilis elimination, increasing to 18 (7.3%) in 2012 and 64 (26.0%) in 2017. The evolution of Moran’s global index in 2007 (I = -0.015; p = 0.450), 2012 (I = -0.019; p = 0.230) and 2017 (I = 0.079; p = 0.070) shows that the municipalities were spatially independent with regard to the change in the incidence rate, indicating absence of spatial clusters of congenital syphilis in Goiás.
Spatial distribution of the congenital syphilis incidence rate (per 1000 live births), by municipalities of Goiás state, 2007 (A), 2012 (B) and 2017 (C)
Discussion
The number of municipalities notifying cases and the occurrence of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in the state of Goiás increased between 2007 and 2017. This increasing trend in these conditions over the years is in line with the growth in syphilis in pregnancy in Brazil as a whole, which increased from 2.3 cases in 2007 to 17.2 cases/1,000 live births in 2017, as did the congenital syphilis incidence rate, which increased from 1.9 to 8.6 cases/1,000 live births in the same period.1313. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Sífilis 2018. Bol Epidemiol [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2020 ago 31];49(45):1-48. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/boletimepidemiologicode-sifilis-2018
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/bo...
A limitation of this study is the use of secondary data derived from passive notification of cases of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis, which may represent only part of existing cases. Another issue to be highlighted relates to changes in the notification criteria over the time series and its possible influence on case notification. Moreover, the possibility exists of the number of congenital syphilis cases being overestimated, given that confirmation of vertical transmission of syphilis only occurs when the child has been followed up for 18 months from birth, with nontreponemal testing at 1,3 and 6 months old, and treponemal testing at the end of this period once maternal antibodies have disappeared.99. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Protocolo de investigação de transmissão vertical [Internet]. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2014 [citado 2020 ago 5]. 83 p. Disponível em: Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2014/protocolo-de-investigacao-de-transmissao-vertical
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2014/pr...
The growth in the rates seen over the years shows that Goiás state and its health macro-regions have been getting further away from the goal for reducing congenital syphilis to levels below 0.5 cases per 1,000 live births.55. Pan American Health Organization - PAHO. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in the Americas 2016 [Internet]. Washington, D.C.: Pan American Health Organization; 2017 [cited 2020 Aug 31]. 62 p. Available from: http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/34072/9789275119556enpdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y
http://iris.paho.org/xmlui/bitstream/han... This reality of increased cases of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis also occurs in other Brazilian states and it is important to emphasize the alert as to the epidemiological scenario of syphilis in Brazil.1616. Saraceni V, Pereira GFM, Silveira MF, Araujo MAL, Miranda AE. Vigilância epidemiológica da transmissão vertical da sífilis: dados de seis unidades federativas no Brasil. Rev Panam Salud Publica [Internet]. 2017 jun [citado 2019 abr 16];41:e44. Disponível em: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612729/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article... ,1717. Teixeira LO, Belarmino V, Gonçalves CV, Mendoza-Sassi RA. Tendência temporal e distribuição espacial da sífilis congênita no estado do Rio Grande do Sul entre 2001 e 2012. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva [Internet]. 2018 ago [citado 2019 jun 12];23(8):2587-97. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018238.25422016
https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018238...
The increasing trend in congenital syphilis cases, however, cannot be interpreted as a condition peculiar to some Brazilian states or to Brazil as a whole. An international study revealed a picture of high rates in countries in South America, Africa and Asia, highlighting the need to scale up access to syphilis screening to above 90% of pregnant women, with the same percentage of treatment for those diagnosed as being infected.22. Korenromp EL, Rowley J, Alonso M, Mello MB, Wijesooruya NS, Mahiané SG, et al. Global burden of maternal and congenital syphilis and associated adverse birth outcomes - Estimates for 2016 and progress since 2012. PLoS One [Internet]. 2019 Feb [cited 2020 jul 15];14(2):e0211720. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211720
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.021... ,1818. Wang Y, Wu M, Gong X, Zhao L, Zhao J, Zhu C, et al. Risk factors for congenital syphilis transmitted from mother to infant - Suzhou, China, 2011-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep [Internet]. 2019 Mar [cited 2019 Aug 16];68(10):247-50. Available from: https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6810a4
https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6810a4... ,1919. Nunes PS, Zara ALSA, Rocha DFNC, Marinho TA, Mandacarú PMP, Turchi MD. Sífilis gestacional e congênita e sua relação com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família, Goiás, 2007-2014: um estudo ecológico. Epidemiol Serv Saúde [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2019 abr 16];27(4):e2018127. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.5123/s1679-49742018000400008
https://doi.org/10.5123/s1679-4974201800...
Goiás’ Northeast health macro-region showed a stationary trend for congenital syphilis in the period studied. This result should be analyzed with caution, as it is a region containing part of the municipalities surrounding the Federal District, characterized by an intense flow of people commuting daily from their homes to the Brazilian capital every day to work or even to use health services there. A study showed that 31.6% of congenital syphilis cases notified in the Federal District referred to children who lived in the state of Goiás, so that the stationary trend of congenital syphilis cases in Northeast Goiás could reflect underreporting in state records rather than an improvement in congenital syphilis indicators in that health macro-region.2020. Muricy CL, Pinto-Júnior VL. Congenital and maternal syphilis in the capital of Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop [Internet]. 2015 Mar-Apr [cited 2019 Apr 16];48(2):21619. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-168-2014
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-168-2014...
In particular the Southwest health macro-region showed a substantial increase in syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis rates at the end of the time series. This result can be explained, at least in part, by the late implementation of the Rede Cegonha in the region, which only happened in 2015. As such, it is possible to assume that this increase reflects improvements in identifying pregnant women with syphilis and improvements in the performance of mother and child health condition surveillance systems.2121. Goiás. Secretaria de Estado de Saúde. Plano Estadual de Saúde 2016-2019 [Internet]. Goiania: Secretaria de Estado de Saúde; 2016 [citado 2020 ago 31]. 249 p. 2016. Disponível em: https://www.saude.go.gov.br/files/acesso_a_informacao/PES2016-2019.pdf.
https://www.saude.go.gov.br/files/acesso...
Although there are well-established protocols and the possibility of low-cost treatment, there has been a progressive increase in the rates of syphilis in pregnancy and consequently in congenital syphilis rates as well.1313. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Sífilis 2018. Bol Epidemiol [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2020 ago 31];49(45):1-48. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/boletimepidemiologicode-sifilis-2018
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2018/bo... One of the main causes of failing to prevent vertical transmission of syphilis in pregnancy is late or inadequate treatment of syphilis during prenatal care, apart from sociodemographic and behavioral aspects involving women’s exposure to infection.2222. Macêdo VC, Lira PIC, Frias PG, Romaguera LMD, Caires SFF, Ximenes RAA. Fatores de risco para sífilis em mulheres: estudo caso-controle. Rev Saúde Pública [Internet]. 2017 set [citado 2019 jul 11];51:78. Disponível em https://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v51/pt_0034-8910-rsp-S1518-017051007066.pdf.
https://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v51/pt_003...
A study conducted in the Suzhou region of China identified immigration as a new component of risk of mother and fetus exposure to syphilis. The finding of this Chinese study serves as an alert to several countries, including Brazil, where immigration has increased in recent years.1818. Wang Y, Wu M, Gong X, Zhao L, Zhao J, Zhu C, et al. Risk factors for congenital syphilis transmitted from mother to infant - Suzhou, China, 2011-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep [Internet]. 2019 Mar [cited 2019 Aug 16];68(10):247-50. Available from: https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6810a4
https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6810a4...
According to Brazilian Health Ministry recommendations, and similarly to those of other countries, ideal treatment for syphilis in pregnancy is based on prescribing benzathine penicillin G, with doses phased according to the stage of the disease.88. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Departamento de Vigilância, Prevenção e Controle das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, do HIV/Aids e das Hepatites. Agenda de ações estratégicas para redução da sífilis no Brasil [Internet]. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2017 [citado 2020 jul 15]. 34 p. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2017/agenda-de-acoes-estrategicas-para-reducao-da-sifilisno-brasil
http://www.aids.gov.br/pt-br/pub/2017/ag... ,1212. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Guia de Vigilância em Saúde: volume único [Internet]. 3. ed. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2019 [citado 2020 ago 31]. 740 p. Disponível em: https://portalarquivos2.saude.gov.br/images/pdf/2019/junho/25/guiaigilancia-saude-volume-unico-3ed.pdf
https://portalarquivos2.saude.gov.br/ima... Treatment should be started as soon as diagnosis is obtained, since the earlier and more complete the treatment, the lower the chance of vertical transmission: prevention rates of between 90% and 98.2% have been achieved when these interventions took place up to the 28th week of pregnancy. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are powerful tools for effective prevention of vertical transmission of syphilis and, therefore, all efforts should be made in this direction.22. Korenromp EL, Rowley J, Alonso M, Mello MB, Wijesooruya NS, Mahiané SG, et al. Global burden of maternal and congenital syphilis and associated adverse birth outcomes - Estimates for 2016 and progress since 2012. PLoS One [Internet]. 2019 Feb [cited 2020 jul 15];14(2):e0211720. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211720
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.021... ,2323. Plotzker RE, Murphy RD, Stoltey JE. Congenital syphilis prevention: strategies, evidence, and Future Directions. Sex Transm Dis [Internet]. 2018 Sep [cited 2020 Aug 31];45(9S Suppl 1):S29-37. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000000846
https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.000000000000...
In Brazil, irregularity in the supply of penicillin for congenital syphilis prevention is a factor that may have contributed to the increase in cases of infection between 2014 and 2016, when there was a lack of raw materials for it to be manufactured, culminating in penicillin stockouts in health centers throughout the country.2424. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos. Nota informativa conjunta GAB/SVS/MS n° 109/2015. Orienta a respeito da priorização da penicilina G benzatina para sífilis em gestantes e penicilina cristalina para sífilis congênita no país e alternativas para o tratamento da sífilis [Internet]. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2015 [citado 2020 ago 31]. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/sites/default/files/legislacao/2015/-s_informativas/nota_informativa_109_assinada_pdf_20349.pdf
http://www.aids.gov.br/sites/default/fil... A study that analyzed scarcity of benzathine penicillin worldwide, identified lack of this drug in at least 39 countries, drawing attention to the difficulty in achieving global targets for eliminating congenital syphilis unless pitfalls in benzathine penicillin supply are resolved, which implies taking into consideration variables such as supply, production, demand and distribution of this unique and universally adopted antibiotic for treating and preventing mother-to-child syphilis transmission.2525. Nurse-Findlay S, Taylor MM, Savage M, Mello MB, Saliyou S, Lavayen M, et al. Shortages of benzathine penicillin for prevention of mother-tochild transmission of syphilis: an evaluation from multi-country surveys and stakeholder interviews. PLoS Med [Internet]. 2017 Dec [cited 2019 Apr 16];14(12):e1002473. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002473
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.100...
In Brazil, despite improvement in prenatal care coverage over the years, only 20% of pregnant women receive adequate care and, in many municipalities, fewer than 50% of them are tested for syphilis during pregnancy, despite Health Ministry recommendations, thus resulting in later diagnosis and making timely treatment infeasible.2626. Domingues RMSM, Dias MAB, Leal MC, Gama SGN, Theme-Filha MM, Torres JA, et al. Adequacy of prenatal care according to maternal characteristics in Brazil. Rev Panam Salud Publica [Internet]. 2015 Mar [cited 2019 Mar 13];37(3):140-7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25988250/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25988250...
Another factor possibly associated with the increase in syphilis cases is low Primary Health Care coverage. A study conducted in Goiás found increased coverage of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) between 2007 and 2014, although when analyzing by (coverage) strata, municipalities with FHS coverage below 75% had a greater increase in the number of congenital syphilis cases in that period. Moreover, the correlation between the increase in FHS coverage and occurrence of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis was found to be positive for nearly all years.1919. Nunes PS, Zara ALSA, Rocha DFNC, Marinho TA, Mandacarú PMP, Turchi MD. Sífilis gestacional e congênita e sua relação com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família, Goiás, 2007-2014: um estudo ecológico. Epidemiol Serv Saúde [Internet]. 2018 nov [citado 2019 abr 16];27(4):e2018127. Disponível em: https://doi.org/10.5123/s1679-49742018000400008
https://doi.org/10.5123/s1679-4974201800...
Notwithstanding improvements seen in the surveillance network with regard to disease notification, they are still insufficient to have an impact on syphilis case reduction. It is important to invest in tools that improve information sharing within the health care network, seeking agility in identification of infected pregnant women and their immediate treatment. Congenital syphilis prevention programs tested in countries that used rapid testing for syphilis detection and ensured immediate treatment, drastically reduced their vertical transmission rates.2323. Plotzker RE, Murphy RD, Stoltey JE. Congenital syphilis prevention: strategies, evidence, and Future Directions. Sex Transm Dis [Internet]. 2018 Sep [cited 2020 Aug 31];45(9S Suppl 1):S29-37. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000000846
https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.000000000000...
In addition to concern about the increase in the number of municipalities with cases of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis, other important issues need to be rethought in the context of Health for addressing this disease, including (i) failure to treat sex partners, (ii) inadequate use of protection and prophylaxis methods and (iii) incipient sexual and reproductive health actions.2727. Nasser MA, Nemes MIB, Andrade MC, Prado RR, Castanheira ERL. Avaliação na atenção primária paulista: ações incipientes em saúde sexual e reprodutiva. Rev Saúde Pública [Internet]. 2017 ago [citado 2019 jun 1];51:77. Disponível em: http://dx.doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2017051006711
http://dx.doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.20... They are factors that contribute to occurrence of reinfection and maintaining the chain that spreads infection, and may exert even more pressure on the health system, given the need for support structure and specialized care for congenital and late alterations arising from exposure to T. pallidum.2323. Plotzker RE, Murphy RD, Stoltey JE. Congenital syphilis prevention: strategies, evidence, and Future Directions. Sex Transm Dis [Internet]. 2018 Sep [cited 2020 Aug 31];45(9S Suppl 1):S29-37. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000000846
https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.000000000000... ,2828. Rocha AFB, Araújo MAL, Miranda AEL, Leon RGP, Junior GBS, Vasconcelos LDPG. Management of sexual partners of pregnant women with syphilis in northeastern Brazil – a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res [Internet]. 2019 Jan [cited 2019 Aug 16];65(19). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-3910-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-3910-...
One of the pillars of congenital syphilis prevention consists precisely of ample and diverse public health service structure, to improve surveillance, monitor trends, identify outbreaks of the disease and diagnose shortcomings in care, so as to enable targeted interventions. Specific programs, focused on more susceptible populations – female immigrants, women deprived of liberty, with multiple partners, illegal drug users, for instance –, can also be considered as being strategic for controlling congenital syphilis, through implementation of improved access and reaching these populations.2323. Plotzker RE, Murphy RD, Stoltey JE. Congenital syphilis prevention: strategies, evidence, and Future Directions. Sex Transm Dis [Internet]. 2018 Sep [cited 2020 Aug 31];45(9S Suppl 1):S29-37. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000000846
https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.000000000000...
In conclusion, this study found a rising trend in syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in the decade analyzed, as well as spatial expansion of infections in Goiás, revealing a departure from the goal of eliminating vertical transmission of syphilis in the state.
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» https://doi.org/10.1097/olq.0000000000000846 - 24Ministério da Saúde (BR). Secretaria de Ciência, Tecnologia e Insumos Estratégicos. Nota informativa conjunta GAB/SVS/MS n° 109/2015. Orienta a respeito da priorização da penicilina G benzatina para sífilis em gestantes e penicilina cristalina para sífilis congênita no país e alternativas para o tratamento da sífilis [Internet]. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2015 [citado 2020 ago 31]. Disponível em: http://www.aids.gov.br/sites/default/files/legislacao/2015/-s_informativas/nota_informativa_109_assinada_pdf_20349.pdf
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» https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002473 - 26Domingues RMSM, Dias MAB, Leal MC, Gama SGN, Theme-Filha MM, Torres JA, et al. Adequacy of prenatal care according to maternal characteristics in Brazil. Rev Panam Salud Publica [Internet]. 2015 Mar [cited 2019 Mar 13];37(3):140-7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25988250/
» https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25988250/ - 27Nasser MA, Nemes MIB, Andrade MC, Prado RR, Castanheira ERL. Avaliação na atenção primária paulista: ações incipientes em saúde sexual e reprodutiva. Rev Saúde Pública [Internet]. 2017 ago [citado 2019 jun 1];51:77. Disponível em: http://dx.doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2017051006711
» http://dx.doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2017051006711 - 28Rocha AFB, Araújo MAL, Miranda AEL, Leon RGP, Junior GBS, Vasconcelos LDPG. Management of sexual partners of pregnant women with syphilis in northeastern Brazil – a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res [Internet]. 2019 Jan [cited 2019 Aug 16];65(19). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-3910-y
» https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-3910-y
Publication Dates
- Publication in this collection
22 Jan 2021 - Date of issue
2021
History
- Received
30 Sept 2019 - Accepted
28 July 2020