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[Early congenital syphilis, inadequate screening. Case report]

Mireya Robledo-Aceves1, Raymundo Olguín-Flores2, J Jesús Gaytán-Meza3

  • 1Universidad de Guadalajara, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I Menchaca", Servicio de Urgencias Pediatría. Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.

Revista Medica Del Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social
|May 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Congenital syphilis remains a significant issue in developing nations. Early diagnosis and consistent prenatal screening are crucial for preventing this preventable infection in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Congenital syphilis presents ongoing challenges in developing countries, despite available screening and affordable treatments.
  • Inadequate prenatal care and diagnostic test misinterpretation hinder prevention efforts.

Observation:

  • A 23-day-old male infant presented with characteristic copper-colored macules, scaling on palms and soles, and hepatomegaly.
  • The infant's TORCH test was negative, but VDRL was 1:512 and FTA ABS was positive.
  • Maternal history revealed a negative VDRL at 12 weeks gestation, despite later positive VDRL and FTA ABS.

Findings:

  • The clinical presentation, alongside positive VDRL and FTA ABS, led to a diagnosis of congenital syphilis.
  • Despite a seemingly negative maternal initial screening, the infant's diagnosis highlights potential gaps in prenatal surveillance.

Implications:

  • Implementing routine, repeated VDRL testing during pregnancy, especially for high-risk individuals, is essential.
  • Strengthening prenatal care and diagnostic monitoring programs can improve congenital syphilis prevention outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
/preventionDiagnosisSyphilis, CongenitalTreponema pallidum

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