INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis (CS) is a multisystemic infection of the newborn (NB) which can produce severe symptoms, and in some cases, even be fatal. In recent years, the incidence of syphilis has increased worldwide and similarly, the cases of CS in neonates have increased. OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of early and severe presentation of CS, focusing on the importance of prevention of vertical transmission and monitoring of treated mothers. The diagnostic difficulties are discussed. CLINICAL CASES: Two premature newborns that were diagnosed with probable CS present in the newborn period are presented. In the first case, due to a high index of suspicion, but without confirmatory testing, treatment was started with good clinical response. In the second case, CS was confirmed through positive serology and the specific treatment was given. CONCLUSION: CS has significant diagnostic challenges as there is no test for early confirmation, therefore, a high index of suspicion might be key in the treatment and consequent prognosis. Due to the current epidemiology of the condition, it is also important to focus on preventive measures.
INTRODUCTION:Congenital syphilis (CS) is a multisystemic infection of the newborn (NB) which can produce severe symptoms, and in some cases, even be fatal. In recent years, the incidence of syphilis has increased worldwide and similarly, the cases of CS in neonates have increased. OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of early and severe presentation of CS, focusing on the importance of prevention of vertical transmission and monitoring of treated mothers. The diagnostic difficulties are discussed. CLINICAL CASES: Two premature newborns that were diagnosed with probable CS present in the newborn period are presented. In the first case, due to a high index of suspicion, but without confirmatory testing, treatment was started with good clinical response. In the second case, CS was confirmed through positive serology and the specific treatment was given. CONCLUSION: CS has significant diagnostic challenges as there is no test for early confirmation, therefore, a high index of suspicion might be key in the treatment and consequent prognosis. Due to the current epidemiology of the condition, it is also important to focus on preventive measures.
Authors: Samara Isabela Maia de Oliveira; Cecília Olívia Paraguai de Oliveira Saraiva; Débora Feitosa de França; Marcos Antônio Ferreira Júnior; Libna Helen de Melo Lima; Nilba Lima de Souza Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-02-05 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Surama Valena Elarrat Canto; Maria Alix Leite Araújo; Angélica Espinosa Miranda; Ana Rita Paulo Cardoso; Rosa Lívia Freitas de Almeida Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-01-04 Impact factor: 3.240