The Congenital Syphilis Surge: Clinician Lessons to Turn the Rising Tide

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Congenital syphilis (CS) is an in utero infection of the fetus.
• CS prevention relies on timely syphilis screening and treatment during pregnancy.
• CS has escalated into a significant public health crisis in the United States over the last decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of increased syphilis testing frequency in pregnant individuals.
• To outline the necessary evaluation and management protocols for infants born to mothers with syphilis.
• To emphasize the need for close follow-up and titer monitoring in infants with suspected or confirmed CS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current public health recommendations and professional society guidelines.
• Description of diagnostic evaluation including nontreponemal titers for newborns.
• Emphasis on follow-up protocols involving repeat nontreponemal titers.

Main Results:

• Increased frequency of syphilis testing in pregnancy is recommended.
• Infants born to mothers with syphilis require thorough evaluation and titer assessment.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with positive infant prognoses.

Conclusions:

• Timely screening and treatment during pregnancy are crucial for preventing congenital syphilis.
• Standardized evaluation, management, and follow-up are essential for affected infants.
• Prompt intervention significantly improves outcomes for infants with congenital syphilis.