Analysis of Maternal and Congenital Syphilis Rates at a New Jersey University Hospital

Abstract

Syphilis and congenital syphilis (CS) cases have been rising in the U.S. and internationally since the 2000s. Social factors have been shown to increase the risk of CS transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to increased syphilis transmission. We aimed to quantify the rise in congenital syphilis (CS) rates at a large urban hospital and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CS rates. We completed a retrospective chart review of 61 pregnant women with a positive test or previous diagnosis of syphilis at an urban academic hospital between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2022. Maternal syphilis and CS rates increased over the 5 years (p < 0.001), particularly pre- and post-COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Of the mothers studied, 34.6% received adequate prenatal care, 62.7% received adequate screening, and 81.3% received adequate treatment. Stillbirth was noted in 6.6% of pregnancies. Of liveborn infants, 97.6% received appropriate treatment, and 45.1% received adequate follow-up. CS development was significantly associated with homelessness (p = 0.028) and past opioid use (p = 0.031). We concluded that maternal syphilis and CS rates have increased at our hospital, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to prenatal care and timely maternal treatment are target areas for improvement.