Congenital syphilis

The Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases ( Hanoi ) recently treated a 2-month-old girl from Yen Bai province who had congenital syphilis.

Approximately three weeks prior to hospitalization, the patient presented with initial symptoms including scattered red papules on the buttocks, progressing into blisters spreading to both legs, arms, and neck. The family took the child to a local clinic, where they diagnosed dermatitis and prescribed topical medication. Subsequently, the condition worsened, the blisters ruptured, releasing yellowish fluid mixed with blood, and the child developed a high fever of 38°C. The family then took the child to a local hospital. At this point, examination and tests revealed congenital syphilis accompanied by severe anemia. The patient was transferred to the Pediatrics Department of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Upon admission to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the patient was malnourished, severely anemic, had a high fever, and developed blistering skin lesions in multiple areas of the body. After two weeks of intensive treatment, the patient was discharged in stable condition.

Cases of newborns with syphilis being hospitalized with complications have been recorded.

Dr. Nguyen Manh Truong (Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases) said that doctors also treated the patient's father and mother, as both were diagnosed with syphilis.

Dr. Truong noted: Congenital syphilis is transmitted through blood or from a mother with syphilis to her child during pregnancy. The disease not only causes malnutrition and anemia in children but can also damage organs such as the liver, heart, eyes, and ears, and even progress to the nervous system, causing serious sequelae. This disease is completely preventable if pregnant women proactively get screened for syphilis. Therefore, regular prenatal checkups and adherence to medical instructions are the best ways to prevent congenital syphilis.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/benh-giang-mai-bam-sinh-185241222223954815.htm