Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. Its causative agent is a bacterial microorganism - pale treponema. Consider the disease in more detail, we will name the methods of diagnosis, find out why syphilis occurs during pregnancy.
Analysis of syphilis in pregnant women
For timely diagnosis of the disease and early initiation of the therapy process, the analysis for syphilis during pregnancy is given at the first visit to the gynecologist, registration. The study can be conducted in several ways, among which:
- RIF (immunofluorescence reaction), establishes the disease at the initial stage;
- PCR - helps identify the presence of DNA pathogens in the blood, identify pathology before the appearance of the clinical picture;
- RPHA (the reaction of passive agglutination) - identifies the disease at any stage of development;
- ELISA (enzyme immunoassay) - helps to establish the stage of the pathological process, is assigned as an additional study.
False positive analysis for syphilis in pregnancy
Such a phenomenon as a questionable analysis of syphilis, in pregnancy - is not uncommon. In order to rule out the false result, false positive syphilis in pregnancy, after receiving a positive response after the first study, is prescribed RIBT - a reaction to mobilization of pale trypanomas. Among the reasons for a possible erroneous result, doctors call:
- chronic pathological processes in connective tissue;
- heart disease;
- infectious processes in the body;
- recent vaccination;
- diabetes.
Positive analysis of syphilis in pregnancy
A positive test for syphilis in pregnant women is an indication for re-examination. In the case when the second time in the blood sample there is an agent, the woman is taken for control. In this case, a comprehensive examination is prescribed, which involves determining the concentration of antibodies, the stage of the disease. Based on the results obtained, an individual course of therapy is developed. With the timely start of treatment, it is possible to exclude the progression of the disease, to bear and give birth to a healthy child.
How does syphilis affect pregnancy?
Studying the influence of syphilis on pregnancy, the doctors came to the conclusion that the time of the beginning of the therapeutic process is important. If a disease is detected at the stage of pregnancy planning or at its beginning, it is possible to completely eliminate the negative impact of the pathogen on the fetus. It should be borne in mind that syphilis during current pregnancy causes an imbalance in the level of hormones in the body of a future mother. As a result, the risk of development increases:
- premature delivery ;
- spontaneous abortion;
- threats of miscarriages.
In addition, the process of bearing a baby in women with syphilis is often accompanied by anemia and late toxicosis. A great concern of doctors is the possibility of infecting the baby from the mother - the pathogen penetrates the placenta. The maximum chances of giving birth to a healthy baby are those pregnant women who are treated early (up to 16 weeks).
Consequences of syphilis in pregnancy
A disease such as syphilis during pregnancy requires a specific course of therapy, which should be started immediately after the diagnosis. In this case, one can avoid the sad consequences, among which:
- miscarriage;
- premature delivery;
- stillbirth;
- the death of a newborn in the first hours of life;
- severe developmental malformations;
- the birth of a baby with congenital syphilis.
Is syphilis transferred to a child?
Syphilis in pregnant women is fraught with the development of a similar disease in the baby. Signs of a wounded congenital syphilis are recorded immediately after the baby's birth:
- damage to the skin;
- prematurity;
- defeat of bones;
- liver disease;
- diseases of the nervous system.
Such children are slowly gaining weight, are constantly restless, sleep badly, are in a state of anxiety, are constantly crying, while making sharp, piercing cries. Often, the disease leads to a fatal outcome due to the disrupted process of development of the respiratory system even at the intrauterine stage of development. Late congenital syphilis can be diagnosed and 2 years after the appearance of the baby, but more often it occurs in the range of 7-14 years.
Before this age, no manifestations of the disease of the mother do not fix. Possible signs of late, congenital syphilis are:
- damage to the hearing aid;
- eye diseases;
- loss of teeth.
How to treat syphilis during pregnancy?
Treatment of syphilis during pregnancy is carried out twice. The first course is carried out in a hospital, immediately after the detection of the disease. The second is prophylactic, is performed on an outpatient basis after reaching the 20-24 week period. For therapy, penicillin preparations are used, Ceftriaxone. Treatment of syphilis in pregnant women is carried out individually. The doctor determines the type of drug, its dosage frequency and duration of use.
Preventing syphilis in pregnant women
Preventive measures in the event of the onset of gestation are aimed at early diagnosis of the disease. Directly so it is possible to reveal the latent syphilis at pregnancy. Analyzes of this kind for the entire period of bearing the baby the expectant mother surrenders three times. Particular attention is paid to identifying the disease at the planning stage of conception, its prevention. To avoid infection, exclude syphilis during pregnancy, venereologists recommend:
- Use means of mechanical contraception (condom).
- Avoid casual sex.
- If suspected of infection, treat the genitals with chlorhexidine immediately after the act.