Economic impact and epidemiological characterization of congenital syphilis in a tertiary public hospital in Monterrey: analysis 2017-2024.

BACKGROUND

Congenital syphilis has increased in prevalence since 2001, especially in low- and middle-income countries, constituting a public health problem.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the economic burden and epidemiological characterization of congenital syphilis in a tertiary public hospital in Monterrey.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Children under 2 years of age born to mothers with positive VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) or TP-PA (particle agglutination for Treponema pallidum), from January 2017 to December 2024, in a public tertiary hospital were included. They were classified according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scenarios. Maternal and infant clinical and demographic variables, clinical outcomes, hospitalization costs and type of federal health coverage were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 321 patients were analyzed, and the median hospital stay was 4 days with median costs of $1533.15 USD. Higher costs were observed in proven congenital syphilis ($4221.58 USD) compared to other clinical scenarios. A statistical difference was reported between the costs of the three periods of federal health coverage ($370.88 vs. $2801.38 vs. $1,532.82 USD; p < 0.001). 48% of the cases were diagnosed after birth.

CONCLUSIONS

The results reflect the high economic burden and increasing trends of congenital syphilis, with mostly late diagnosis.