Born with hidden battle: the crucial need for timely syphilis screening in pregnancy

Authors

  • Chandramohan Kudligi Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka
  • Navya Kalappurakkal Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka
  • Tejaswini Mukundraj Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka
  • Nirmitha Sanjeev Kumar Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka
  • Tejashwini Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka
  • Ashmika Shetty Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka
  • Pallavi Chikkadoddi Puttaswamy Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v34i4.2959

Keywords:

congenital syphilis, syphilis, vdrl

Abstract

We report a case of early congenital syphilis in a 15-day-old male infant, born to parents with untreated syphilis. The infant presented with reddish exfoliating lesions, dry scaly macular lesions, and purulent ear discharge. Laboratory investigations confirmed congenital syphilis. Despite initial diagnosis, the parents' failure to follow up and receive treatment led to this outcome. The infant responded well to intravenous ceftriaxone, and both parents received benzathine penicillin. This case highlights the importance of adherence to recommended testing and treatment protocols to prevent congenital syphilis, which can have severe complications if left untreated. Regular syphilis screening during pregnancy is crucial, with a 98% success rate in preventing transmission to newborns when treated early

Author Biographies

  • Chandramohan Kudligi, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    Dermatology Venereology And Leprology

    Professor and Head of the Department

  • Navya Kalappurakkal, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    DERMATOLOGY 

    JUNIOR RESIDENT

  • Tejaswini Mukundraj, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    DERMATOLOGY 

    JUNIOR RESIDENT

  • Nirmitha Sanjeev Kumar, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    DERMATOLOGY

    JUNIOR RESIDENT

  • Tejashwini, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    Dermatology

    Junior resident

  • Ashmika Shetty, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    dermatology

    junior resident

  • Pallavi Chikkadoddi Puttaswamy, Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute Hubblli Karnataka

    Dermatology

    Junior resident

References

1. Penner J, Hernstadt H, Burns JE, Randell P, Lyall H. Stop, think SCORTCH: Rethinking the traditional ‘TORCH’ screen in an era of re-emerging syphilis. Arch Dis Child. 2021;106:117-24.

2. Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics. Kimberlin D.W., Barnett E.D., Lynfield R., Sawyer M.H. Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. American Academy of Pediatrics

3. Hawkes S, Matin N, Broutet N, Low N. Effectiveness of interventions to improve screening for syphilis in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis 2011;11:684-91.

4. Hawkes SJ, Gomez GB, Broutet N. Early antenatal care: Does it make a difference to outcomes of pregnancy associated with syphilis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2013;8:e56713

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Published

11.10.2024

Issue

Section

Short Communications

How to Cite

1.
Born with hidden battle: the crucial need for timely syphilis screening in pregnancy. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 11 [cited 2026 Jul. 23];34(4):1145-6. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/2959