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Outcome of maternal syphilis at Rajavithi Hospital on offsprings

Varaporn Sangtawesin1, Watcharee Lertsutthiwong, Wiboon Kanjanapattanakul

  • 1Neonatal Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|February 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Untreated syphilis in pregnant women leads to a high risk of congenital syphilis in infants. Penicillin remains an effective treatment for both mothers and newborns, preventing severe outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Syphilis is a persistent public health concern, particularly in Thailand.
  • Congenital syphilis presents diagnostic and clinical challenges due to variable infant presentation.
  • Penicillin is clinically effective but congenital syphilis persists in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Evaluate outcomes of neonates born to mothers with syphilis.
  • Assess the efficacy of prenatal syphilis treatment in preventing congenital syphilis.
  • Determine the effectiveness of postnatal treatment for congenital syphilis.

Main Methods:

  • A surveillance study involving 63 mothers and 64 infants was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Infants underwent physical examination, growth, development, and laboratory evaluations up to 6 months of age.
  • Maternal syphilis treatment and infant outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Of 63 mothers, 84.13% received prenatal care; 36.51% received adequate penicillin treatment.
  • The congenital syphilis rate was 14.06% (9 infants), with manifestations including hepatomegaly and skin desquamation.
  • Adequate maternal penicillin treatment showed an 8.7% failure rate; followed-up infants showed normal growth and seronegativity.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillin is effective for treating pregnant women and infants with syphilis.
  • Untreated or inadequately treated maternal syphilis significantly increases the risk of congenital syphilis.
  • Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are crucial for preventing congenital syphilis.
Abstract

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