Epidemiology of hospitalizations due to Syphilis in large urban areas in Spain between 1997 and 2006

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology and trends of hospitalizations due to syphilis over a ten-year period (1997–2006) in Madrid, Spain.MethodsRetrospective study using data provided by the National Epidemiology Surveillance System for Hospital Data (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos; CMBD). Hospitalized patients suffering from syphilis were identified through the corresponding ICD-9-CM codes (090–097).ResultsBetween 1997 and 2006, 1265 hospitalizations related to syphilis were recorded in Madrid. The annual hospitalization rate was 2.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, the mortality rate was 0.09 per 100,000 inhabitants, and the case fatality rate was 4.03%. The rate of hospitalization and the case fatality rate were significantly higher among men and patients over the age of 80 years.ConclusionWe found a significant increase in hospitalization rates during study period. Syphilis continues to be an important public health problem in Madrid, especially among men. Policies designed to control the course and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases needs to be improved.