Epidemiological profile and temporal trends of gestational and congenital syphilis in the southeast region of Brazil

an analysis from 2014 to 2023

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile and temporal trends of gestational and congenital syphilis in the Southeast Region of Brazil from 2014 to 2023, to identify patterns that may inform maternal and child healthcare strategies. Methods: ecological time-series study using data from SINAN on gestational and congenital syphilis in the Southeast Region, between 2014 and 2023. Relative frequencies were calculated, and temporal trend analysis
was performed using simple linear regression (R2), assessing statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: in the period, 288,318 cases of gestational syphilis were notified. Temporal analysis revealed a significant increasing trend (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.001), rising from 12,892 cases in 2014 to 39,876 in 2023. The state of São Paulo concentrated the highest absolute acceleration. Despite the increase in diagnoses, fatal outcomes (stillbirths and miscarriages) totaled 8,705 cases in the decade, highlighting failures in tertiary prevention. Conclusions: syphilis persists as an expanding endemic in Southeastern Brazil. The strong linear growth correlation indicates structural failures in interrupting the transmission chain, making it imperative to strengthen the treatment of the mother-partner binomial in Primary Care.