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Congenital syphilis in the newborn
V Chawla1, P B Pandit, F K Nkrumah
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Congenital syphilis in newborns often presents with low birth weight, enlarged liver and spleen, anemia, jaundice, and skin peeling on palms and soles. These signs strongly suggest early congenital syphilis.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital syphilis is a serious infection transmitted from mother to fetus.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for effective management and preventing long-term complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the common clinical features of early congenital syphilis in a cohort of newborn infants.
- To highlight clinical signs that should raise suspicion for congenital syphilis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data from 53 newborn infants diagnosed with congenital syphilis.
- Analysis of presenting clinical signs and symptoms.
Main Results:
- Common findings included low birth weight (53/53), hepatosplenomegaly (45/53), anemia (40/53), jaundice (38/53), and symmetrical superficial desquamation of palms and soles (35/53).
- Hydrops fetalis, in the absence of rhesus or ABO isoimmunization, was noted as a significant indicator.
Conclusions:
- The combination of low birth weight, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, jaundice, and specific skin desquamation is highly indicative of early congenital syphilis.
- Hydrops fetalis should prompt immediate investigation for congenital syphilis, even without typical hemolytic causes.