Antenatal Screening for Syphilis

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Antenatal Screening for Syphilis

British Medical Journal Online (12/12/98) Vol. 317, No. 7173, P. 1605
Welch, Jan

Cases of congenital syphilis in the United Kingdom are rare, but syphilis is the only chronic infection for which women are routinely screened during pregnancy, writes Jan Welch, of the Department of Sexual Health of King's Healthcare NHS Trust in London, in an editorial. Some healthcare centers are considering discontinuing screening due to the dearth of cases. However, Welch argues that instead of abandoning screening, "we should ensure that we have an effective national program, with standards for the screening, diagnosis, and management of expectant mothers and their infants." Welch cites a study appearing in the same journal which found that 139 women were treated for syphilis in pregnancy in Britain over the three-year course of the study. Thirty-one of the women had early, congenitally transmissible infections, and there were nine identified cases of congenital syphilis. From a financial standpoint, the author notes that cessation of antenatal screening would save about 660,000 pounds. However, at least 10 women with early syphilis would be missed annually, resulting in fetal deaths and congenital disease. The program also serves as an early warning system for adult infection, while cost-benefit analysis shows that antenatal screening is worthwhile even in the areas with the lowest syphilis prevalence.

981221
AD982394

Copyright © 1998 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.