[Correspondence] Stillbirth caused by syphilis remains a major global health problem

We read with interest the Seminar by Edward W Hook 3rd (April 15, p 1550),1 but were disappointed that the major public health importance of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis was not mentioned. According to WHO estimates, syphilis caused 350  000 adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2012,2 and The Lancet Series3 on ending preventable stillbirths highlighted that syphilis causes 200 000 stillbirths annually. These adverse outcomes can be prevented with a single dose of penicillin,4 which is one of the most cost-effective health intervention s available.
Source: LANCET - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research