Cited by 36Syphilis Diagnosis and TreatmentHistorical Medical Research and TreatmentsNeonatal and Maternal Infections

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 9 of the 9 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Syphilis in Pregnancy

Abstract

Importance Since 2013, the United States has seen a rise in cases of congenital syphilis, culminating in a relative increase of 153% from 2013 to 2017 and 918 reported cases in 2017. In all, 50% to 80% of pregnant women with syphilis experience an adverse pregnancy outcome including stillbirth or spontaneous abortion. Objective This article aims to review the current evidence and recommendations for management of syphilis in pregnancy. Evidence acquisition Original research articles, review articles, and guidelines on syphilis were reviewed. Results In pregnancy, routine screening for syphilis is recommended on initiation of prenatal care. In high-risk populations, repeat testing is recommended in the early third trimester and at delivery. Penicillin remains the recommended treatment in pregnancy. After treatment, nontreponemal titers should be repeated at minimum during the early third trimester and at delivery to assess for serologic response. In high-risk populations, titers should be repeated monthly. Conclusion and relevance Routine screening in pregnancy is essential for identification of syphilis infection and prevention of congenital syphilis. Subsequent adequate treatment with penicillin therapy more than 30 days before delivery and at the correct dosages depending on the stage of infection should be incorporated into clinical practice.

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Research works printed but not linked: 54

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Metadata

Authors
Tsai, S., Sun, M. Y., Kuller, J. A., Rhee, E. H. J., & Dotters-Katz, S.
Affiliations
Duke University (US)
Corresponding author
Tsai, Shelun
Venue
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
Published
2019-09
Volume
74
Issue
9
Pages
557-564
ISSN
  • 0029-7828 (ISSN-L)
  • 1533-9866
OpenAlex
W2973021901
Cited by
36
References
9
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 2
FWCI
0.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology (medical) › Historical Medical Research and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Neonatal and Maternal Infections
Keywords
maternal syphilis, congenital syphilis, prenatal screening, penicillin therapy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, stillbirth, miscarriage, maternal and neonatal outcomes, vulnerable populations
MeSH terms
Abortion, Spontaneous, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Female, Humans, Mass Screening, Penicillins, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious, Risk Factors, Syphilis, Syphilis, Congenital, Ultrasonography, Prenatal, Stillbirth

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Syphilis in Pregnancy. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1097/ogx.0000000000000713
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Tsai, S., Sun, M. Y., Kuller, J. A., Rhee, E. H. J., & Dotters-Katz, S. (2019). Syphilis in Pregnancy. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. https://doi.org/10.1097/ogx.0000000000000713