Syphilis in pregnancy: screening and management guidelines - CESPHN
Infectious syphilis rates in women in NSW have more than doubled since 2017, largely in women of reproductive age, increasing risks for congenital syphilis. Since 2017, there have been nine cases of congenital syphilis, six of which occurred in 2020 - 2021. NSW Health is working on a range of initiatives to combat this rise. Women at higher risk of syphilis in pregnancy include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during pregnancy or the preceding 12 months, women who use intravenous drugs and women who have multiple sexual partners. However, infection can, and has, occurred in women without these known risk factors hence the introduction of the second universal syphilis screen at 26 -28 weeks. Clinical recommendations for screening Screen all pregnant women for syphilis at least twice during pregnancy (serology at first antenatal visit and at 26 - 28 weeks). Higher risk women may require additio...