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

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

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.

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

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.

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

2024-10-11

How to Cite

1.
Kudligi C, Kalappurakkal N, Mukundraj T, Nirmitha Sanjeev Kumar, Tejashwini, Ashmika Shetty, Puttaswamy PC. Born with hidden battle: the crucial need for timely syphilis screening in pregnancy. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2024Oct.11 [cited 2025Feb.7];34(4):1145-6. Available from: https://jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/2959

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Section

Short Communications

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