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Alternative names Return to top
Congenital lues; Fetal syphilisDefinition Return to top
Congenital syphilis is an infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum (syphilis) passed from mother to child during fetal development or birth.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
An expectant mother who is infected with syphilis can transmit the disease through the placenta to the unborn infant. Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening condition for the infant. Nearly half of all children infected with syphilis during gestation die shortly before or after birth.
Infants who survive develop early-stage and late-stage symptoms of syphilis, if not treated. Early-stage symptoms include irritability, failure to thrive, and nonspecific fever. Some infants develop a rash and lesions (sores) on the borders of the mouth, anus, and genitalia (called condyloma lata).
Some of these lesions may resemble the wart-like lesions of adult syphilis. A small percentage of infants have a watery nasal discharge (sniffles) and a saddle nose deformity resulting from infection in the cartilage of the nose. Bone lesions are common, especially in the upper arm (humerus).
Later signs appear as tooth abnormalities (Hutchinson teeth), bone changes (saber shins), neurological involvement, blindness, and deafness. Despite the fact that this disease can be cured with antibiotics if caught early, rising rates of syphilis amongst pregnant women in the United States have recently increased the number of infants born with congenital syphilis.
Symptoms Return to top
NEWBORNSigns and tests Return to top
The physical examination may show signs of bone inflammation (periosteal elevations or osteochondritis). There may be evidence of hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).
Tests on the mother may include:
If the disorder is suspected at the time of birth, the placenta will be examined for signs of syphilis.
Treatment Return to top
Penicillin is the treatment for all forms of syphilis. Infants born to infected mothers who received adequate penicillin treatment during pregnancy are at minimal risk.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Many infants who were infected early in the pregnancy are stillborn. Treatment of the expectant mother lowers the risk of congenital syphilis in the infant. Babies who acquire syphilis in the birth canal have a better prognosis.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if your baby has signs or symptoms as described in this document.Prevention Return to top
Safer sexual practices may help prevent infection with syphilis. If you suspect you have a sexually-transmitted disease like syphilis, seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications like infecting a fetus during pregnancy or birth.
Prenatal care for expectant mothers is critical. During prenatal care evaluations, a routine serologic test for syphilis is done. This identifies infected mothers and allows them to be treated to minimize the risks to the infant and to themselves.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |