Maternal syphilis, preventable stillbirth, and treatment protection: a global systematic meta-analysis.
Daniel Mugabi, Theoneste Hakizimana, Prosper Akankwasa et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic meta-analysis evaluated the global prevalence of stillbirth in pregnancies complicated by maternal syphilis, analyzing data from eleven studies. The pooled prevalence of stillbirth was found to be 5.02% (95% CI 2.44-10.06%), with significant regional variations and treatment coverage impacting outcomes. The study highlights the importance of adequate treatment in reducing stillbirth rates.
Key findings
- The pooled prevalence of stillbirth among pregnancies with maternal syphilis was 5.02%.
- Stillbirth prevalence was highest in sub-Saharan Africa at 10.93% and lowest in Asia at 1.57%.
- Adequate treatment was associated with 84% lower adjusted odds of stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio = 0.16).
- Treatment-stratified prevalence was 11.69% with low treatment coverage versus 2.81% with moderate-to-high coverage.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence and determinants of stillbirth in the context of maternal syphilis is crucial for improving antenatal care. Effective treatment can significantly reduce stillbirth rates, emphasizing the need for enhanced screening and timely intervention.