Congenital Syphilis

Abstract

Twenty-three infants who had positive cord blood VDRL test results are described. Fourteen had clinical signs of congenital syphilis. All but one of the affected, and only one of the unaffected infants had high immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. Several affected infants had low immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels suggesting poor placental transfer. Total protein, albumin and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) levels were generally within the normal range in the whole group, so these are unlikely to be responsible for the neonatal edema found in many of the affected infants.

The continuing scourge of congenital syphilis in 21st century: A case report

“…Syphilitic granulation tissue may destroy cortex and bone marrow and may result in a pathological fracture with impaction or displacement of the epiphyseal plate and its centre. The bony lesions heal completely after treatment, with normal growth during the first two years of life, and without residual deformity [2,12].…”

Persistent bony lesions in congenital syphilis

“…The bony lesions heal completely after treatment, with normal growth during the first two years of life, and without residual deformity [1,2,4,6,7,9]. Some authors have stated that the bony lesions heal without treatment [4,6,9].…”