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Asymptomatic congenital syphilis and auditory brainstem response
L L Gleich1, M Urbina, R L Pincus
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Medical College-New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Lincoln Hospital and Medical Center, NY 10003.
Summary
Congenital syphilis can cause hearing loss. However, this study found that asymptomatic newborns with serologic evidence of syphilis and normal APGAR scores do not require neonatal audiologic evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Audiology
Background:
- Untreated congenital syphilis is a significant risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss in infants.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing congenital syphilis complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the risk of hearing loss at birth in neonates with serologic evidence of syphilis.
- To evaluate the necessity of audiologic screening in asymptomatic infants diagnosed with congenital syphilis.
Main Methods:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) audiometry was performed on 75 neonates with serologic evidence of syphilis and APGAR scores >9.
- Ophthalmologic examinations were conducted to rule out interstitial keratitis.
- Lumbar punctures were attempted to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for abnormalities.
Main Results:
- All 75 neonates exhibited normal ABR results, indicating no hearing impairment at birth.
- Ophthalmologic examinations did not reveal interstitial keratitis in any infant.
- CSF analysis from 41 infants showed no abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic neonates with serologic evidence of syphilis and normal clinical findings do not require routine audiologic evaluation in the neonatal period.
- This finding can help streamline neonatal care protocols for congenital syphilis.