Related Experiment Videos
Congenital syphilis has not disappeared
1University of Sydney, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Children's Hospital, Camperdown, NSW.
Insights
Congenital syphilis, a serious infection in infants, presents with varied symptoms like skin rashes and organ enlargement. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, though follow-up care is vital for long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital syphilis (CS) is a preventable infection transmitted from mother to child.
- This retrospective review examines CS cases over 34 years to understand its clinical presentation and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical features, demographics, and outcomes of congenital syphilis cases.
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and management of CS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 33 congenital syphilis cases at The Children's Hospital, Camperdown.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical manifestations, treatment, and follow-up data.
Main Results:
- 29 early and 4 late CS cases were identified.
- Common symptoms included skin eruptions (13/33), hepatosplenomegaly (12/33), and snuffles (9/33).
- Five deaths occurred, and developmental delay was noted in 3/3 followed patients.
Conclusions:
- Congenital syphilis affects infants across social strata, with higher incidence in premature or SGA infants born to young, low-SES mothers.
- Effective treatment exists, but patient compliance with follow-up is essential for optimal outcomes.
- Community health support is vital for managing CS patients and ensuring adherence to care.
Abstract:
Thirty-three cases of congenital syphilis that were seen at The Children's Hospital, Camperdown, over a 34-year period were reviewed. Twenty-nine cases were examples of early congenital syphilis, as the patients developed clinical features in the first two years of life, and the other four cases were examples of late congenital syphilis, with the clinical features developing between two years and nine months of age and 10 years of age. Twenty-five patients were symptomatic at the time of admission to hospital. The most common clinical feature on the patient's presentation to hospital was a maculopapular or vesiculobullous skin eruption which occurred in 13 of the infants. Hepatic and splenic enlargement were present in 12 cases, and nine children had the "snuffles". Five of the children died. Patient follow-up occurred in fewer than 40% of cases and three of the children who were followed-up suffer from developmental delay. Congenital syphilis can occur in all social groups but is most common in infants who are premature or are small for gestational age and are born to young, unmarried mothers of low socioeconomic status. The treatment of congenital syphilis is simple and effective although the patients may need to be linked with community-health facilities to assist in their compliance with follow-up appointments.