Abnormal Neurologic and Motor Function in Newborns Treated for Congenital Syphilis

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Congenital syphilis (CS) is a serious transplacental infection with potential long-term complications.
• Limited data exists on the specific motor and neurological signs observed in newborns with CS.
• Early identification of neurological sequelae is crucial for timely intervention in affected infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe neurological assessment scale and general movement results in newborns with congenital syphilis during their initial days of life.
• To evaluate the neurological status of asymptomatic newborns diagnosed with CS.

Main Methods:

• A case-series study was conducted on newborns undergoing treatment for CS.
• The Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) and General Movements Assessment (GMA) scales were utilized.
• Assessments were performed in the early neonatal period at a Brazilian public hospital.

Main Results:

• All 11 newborns were clinically asymptomatic, with normal radiographic and cerebrospinal fluid findings.
• The mean HNNE score indicated suboptimal or abnormal neurological function (mean score: 22).
• A significant majority (72.7%) of newborns exhibited abnormalities on the GMA scale, with 18% classified as definitely abnormal.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic newborns treated for CS frequently present with abnormal neurological and motor assessments using specialized scales (HNNE, GMA).
• Inadequate maternal prenatal syphilis treatment and poor postnatal follow-up were significant contributing factors.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying causes of these neurological abnormalities in congenital syphilis.