Congenital Syphilis: A Case Report Presenting a Rare Clinical Manifestation in Two-Month-Old Newborn in Bahrain.

Congenital syphilis, caused by the Gram-negative obligate bacterium Treponema pallidum, can manifest as early- or late-onset infection, typically exhibiting classic symptoms such as a maculopapular rash, failure to thrive, and hepatosplenomegaly. This case report presents rare clinical manifestations of congenital syphilis not typically observed during early onset infection in a newborn in Bahrain. Additionally, it details the physical findings and investigations conducted to diagnose the disease.

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with maternal and congenital syphilis - A prospective study in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore the factors and outcomes associated with gestational syphilis in Peru. METHODS: Women from the miscarriage, vaginal delivery, and C-section wards from a large maternity hospital in Lima with or without syphilis diagnosis were enrolled and their pregnancy outcomes compared. Maternal syphilis status using maternal blood and child serostatus using cord blood were determined by rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and rapid syphilis tests. The newborns' clinical records were used to determine congenital syphilis. RESULTS: A total of 340 women were enrolled, 197 were positive and 143 were negative for RPR/rapid syphilis tests. Antibody titers in sera from cord and maternal blood were comparable with RPR titers and were highly correlated (rho = 0.82, P <0.001). Young age (P = 0.009) and lower birth weight (P = 0.029) were associated with gestational syphilis. Of the women with gestational syphilis, 76% had received proper treatment. Mothers of all newborns with congenital syphilis also received appropriate treatment. Treatment of their sexual partners was not documented. CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis during pregnancy remains a major cause of the fetal loss and devastating effects of congenital syphilis in newborns.

Severe pulmonary hypertension and circulatory failure associated with Congenital syphilis. Case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital syphilis is a vertical infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Despite the implementation of preventive strategies during pregnancy, its incidence is increasing, and it constitutes an important public health problem. Most patients with congenital syphilis are asymptomatic; however, a small group may develop severe disease at birth with the need of advanced resuscitation in the delivery room, acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, and hemodynamic instability. Therefore, awareness is needed. METHODS AND RESULTS: This series describes the clinical course of two late preterm infants with congenital syphilis who developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and circulatory collapse early after birth. Integrated hemodynamic evaluation with neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) and therapeutic management is provided. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation including early and serial functional echocardiography in these patients is needed to address the underlying complex pathophysiology and to help to establish accurate treatment.

Trends in Syphilis in Pregnant Women in Japan in 2016 and 2022.

Since 2012, the rate of syphilis infection has increased dramatically in high-income countries including Japan. In this study, we examined the rate of syphilis infection among pregnant women and perinatal outcomes in the syphilis-infected pregnancy in 2022 in Japan, and compared the results with those in 2016. We requested 2,005 obstetric institutes to provide information on syphilis infection in pregnant women who delivered in 2022. A total of 1,346 obstetrical facilities responded with valid information. We compared the results with those in our previous study. The prevalence of syphilis-infected pregnant women was 1/1,215. The incidence of preterm delivery, intrauterine fetal demise and congenital syphilis in surviving neonates in the syphilis-infected pregnancy were 9%, 2% and 7%, respectively. The prevalence of syphilis-infected pregnant women has increased significantly, while the incidence of congenital syphilis seems to have decreased clinically.

Ultrasound findings in early congenital syphilis: Two case reports and literature review.

Syphilis is caused by treponema pallidum. If untreated, or inadequately treated, during pregnancy, it can result in congenital syphilis (CS), which is classified as early and late. Early CS displays before 2 years of age. We herein describe 2 cases of early CS, whose clinical onset included liver failure, edema, organomegaly, and respiratory distress. We focus on liver, intestinal, and brain ultrasound (US) and other peculiar radiological findings. To date, there are no scientific data on intestinal and brain US findings in patients with early CS whereas data on abdominal US are scarce. Increasing knowledge about US findings in early CS could be useful to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these patients.

Epidemiology of Syphilis in Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis in Brazil and the Risk or Associated Factors: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis are growing public health issues worldwide. Several factors can influence their occurrence in the population. Therefore, understanding the epidemiology of this condition and the factors that influence its occurrence is fundamental for decision-making by clinicians and health managers. However, so far, no systematic review has summarized and analyzed data on the incidence, prevalence, and predictors of these diseases in Brazilian cities, considering different sociocultural, demographic, economic, sanitary, and spatial-temporal characteristics presented across locations. OBJECTIVE: We propose a systematic review protocol to gather and analyze data on the incidence, prevalence, and risk or associated factors of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Brazil, taking into account different local or regional contexts. METHODS: Searches will be conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, and Web of Science databases. We will include observational studies (ie, cross-sectional, longitudinal, or case-control studies), analyzing the incidence, prevalence, and risk or associated factors of syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis in Brazil from primary data. The diagnosed syphilis will be assessed based on direct pathogen detection tests or through immunological, treponemal or nontreponemal tests, following Brazilian protocols for diagnosing syphilis. The studies are currently undergoing screening in the databases, and after this step, 2 reviewers will perform all identified documents. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) system will be used to assess methodological quality and quality of evidence of studies, respectively. The Kappa coefficient will assess the agreement between researchers in each study stage. Cochran Q test will assess the heterogeneity among studies. Then, a random-effects meta-analysis will be performed. RESULTS: Results will be discussed based on subgroup analysis, which is as follows: (1) type of syphilis (in pregnancy or congenital), (2) type of study (case-control and cross-sectional studies for analysis of associated factors and longitudinal studies for risk factors), and (3) contextual factors (ie, region of country, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, and year of study). This systematic review is expected to be completed by December 2023, and our results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and scientific events. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review aims to assist health care managers and professionals in their decision-making to control these diseases in Brazil, considering location heterogeneity. Furthermore, countries with health systems and demographic and socioeconomic contexts similar to those of Brazil may benefit from this information. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/50702.

Retrospective Cohort Study of Syphilis-Related Stillbirths in Winnipeg, Manitoba From 2017-2020.

OBJECTIVE: Syphilis-related stillbirths (SRSBs) disproportionately affect marginalized women with 11% of all local stillbirths having maternal syphilis as a contributory factor in 2020. This study describes the incidence and perinatal factors associated with SRSB. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all stillbirths occurring from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020, at a single tertiary-level referral hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Cases that met criteria for SRSB were identified from hospital records and included in the final analysis. Maternal demographics, comorbidities, prenatal care attendance, sexually transmitted infection testing, treatment, and diagnostic investigations at time of stillbirth were collected from hospital charts using a standardized data collection form. Descriptive statistics were performed to present the results. RESULTS: The proportion of SRSB increased over the period of study from 0%-11%. Eleven cases were identified as SRSB, with diagnosis occurring intrapartum in 7 cases and antenatally in 4 cases. Of the 4 antenatal cases, only 2 had identifiable treatment responses indicated by microbiological and pathology workup. Commonly identified risk factors for SRSB were homelessness, mental illness, substance use, sexually transmitted co-infections, and lack of prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of SRSB are rising in Winnipeg with 11% of all stillbirths having maternal syphilis as a contributory factor by 2020. SRSBs disproportionately affect marginalized women. The dramatic and rapid changes in the epidemiology of syphilis in Winnipeg are likely shared by other Canadian regions and warrant increased prevention strategies to improve outcomes.

Pemphigus syphiliticus with Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in a newborn.

Congenital syphilis is a serious, disabling, and life-threatening infection that is transmitted transplacentally from mother to fetus. Early diagnosis is often difficult because affected infants are usually asymptomatic at birth and clinical findings are often subtle and nonspecific. Pemphigus syphiliticus is an early presentation of congenital syphilis which is characterized by fluid-filled vesicles and bullae which appear mostly on the extremities and tend to rapidly desquamate and erode. Awareness of the clinicians to this early cutaneous manifestation and possible treatment reaction will allow for prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment of syphilis-infected patients.

Congenital syphilis in Roraima and Venezuelan migration: analysis of cases at the state maternity hospital in the 2017/2018 and 2020/2021 biennia / Sífilis congênita em Roraima e a migração venezuelana: análise de casos na maternidade estadual nos biênios 2017/2018 e 2020/2021 / Sífilis congénita en Roraima y migración venezolana: análisis de casos en la maternidad estatal en los bienios 2017/2018 y 2020/2021

Background and objectives: in 2017 and 2018, Roraima experienced the most significant increase in congenital syphilis incidence rates among all federal units. This phenomenon occurred in parallel with the significant Venezuelan migration to the region. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the increase in cases of congenital syphilis registered at the Hospital Materno Infantil Nossa Senhora de Nazareth and the Venezuelan migratory crisis. Methods: this is a document-based, descriptive research, covering the 2017/2018 and 2020/2021 periods, developed from data collected in copies of congenital syphilis report/investigation forms from the hospital. Results: in the 2017/2018 biennium, the peak of Venezuelan migration in Roraima, fewer cases of syphilis occurred than when the migratory flow declined. In the 2020/2021 biennium, there was a decrease in the migratory flow due to the closing of the border and the acceleration of the interiorization process. Although it is the period with the highest number of reports of congenital syphilis among Venezuelan mothers, the percentage is considerably lower than that recorded among Brazilian women. The incidence rate was higher among the group of Brazilian mothers (7.5/1,000 live births, in the 2017/2018 period, and 11.5/1,000 live births, in the 2020/2021 period). Conclusion: Venezuelan migration, although it may have eventually exerted some influence on the total number of cases of congenital syphilis, cannot be considered the determining factor for the increase in cases of the disease in the hospital in the defined period, and other factors deserve to be assessed as decisive in this case.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: em 2017 e 2018, Roraima apresentou o aumento mais significativo nas taxas de incidência de sífilis congênita entre todas as unidades federativas. Este fenômeno ocorreu paralelamente à significativa migração venezuelana para a região. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre o aumento de casos de sífilis congênita registrados no Hospital Materno Infantil Nossa Senhora de Nazareth e a crise migratória venezuelana. Métodos: trata-se de uma pesquisa documental, descritiva, abrangendo os períodos 2017/2018 e 2020/2021, desenvolvida a partir de dados coletados em cópias de fichas de notificação/investigação de sífilis congênita do hospital. Resultados: no biênio 2017/2018, pico da migração venezuelana em Roraima, ocorreram menos casos de sífilis do que quando o fluxo migratório diminuiu. No biénio 2020/2021, registou-se uma diminuição do fluxo migratório devido ao encerramento da fronteira e à aceleração do processo de interiorização. Embora seja o período com maior número de notificações de sífilis congênita entre mães venezuelanas, o percentual é consideravelmente inferior ao registrado entre as brasileiras. A taxa de incidência foi maior entre o grupo de mães brasileiras (7,5/1.000 nascidos vivos, no período 2017/2018, e 11,5/1.000 nascidos vivos, no período 2020/2021). Conclusão: A migração venezuelana, embora possa eventualmente ter exercido alguma influência no total de casos de sífilis congênita, não pode ser considerada o fator determinante para o aumento de casos da doença no hospital no período definido, e outros fatores merecem ser destacados. ser considerada decisiva neste caso.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: en 2017 y 2018, Roraima experimentó el aumento más significativo en las tasas de incidencia de sífilis congénita entre todas las unidades federales. Este fenómeno se produjo en paralelo con la importante migración venezolana a la región. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre el aumento de casos de sífilis congénita registrados en el Hospital Materno Infantil Nossa Senhora de Nazareth y la crisis migratoria venezolana. Métodos: se trata de una investigación descriptiva, documental, que abarca los períodos 2017/2018 y 2020/2021, desarrollada a partir de datos recolectados en copias de formularios de informe/investigación de sífilis congénita del hospital. Resultados: en el bienio 2017/2018, pico de migración venezolana en Roraima, ocurrieron menos casos de sífilis que cuando el flujo migratorio disminuyó. En el bienio 2020/2021 se produjo una disminución del flujo migratorio debido al cierre de fronteras y la aceleración del proceso de interiorización. Si bien es el período con mayor número de reportes de sífilis congénita entre madres venezolanas, el porcentaje es considerablemente menor que el registrado entre las mujeres brasileñas. La tasa de incidencia fue mayor entre el grupo de madres brasileñas (7,5/1.000 nacidos vivos, en el período 2017/2018, y 11,5/1.000 nacidos vivos, en el período 2020/2021). Conclusión: La migración venezolana, si bien eventualmente pudo haber ejercido alguna influencia en el número total de casos de sífilis congénita, no puede considerarse el factor determinante del aumento de casos de la enfermedad en el hospital en el período definido, y otros factores merecen ser considerados. considerarse decisivo en este caso.(AU)

Guía de Sífilis Gestacional y Congénita: perspectivas de profesionales de la salud en Bolívar (Colombia) / Guidelines on Gestational and Congenital Syphilis: insights of health professionals in Bolívar (Colombia)

Objetivos: Describir los conocimientos, la idoneidad y las prácticas respecto a la "Guía de práctica clínica (GPC) basada en la evidencia para la atención integral de la sífilis gestacional (SG) y congénita (SC)". Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Incluyó médicos generales, especialistas y enfermeras que laboraban en 52 instituciones de salud en el departamento de Bolívar (Colombia) y realizan el control prenatal o la atención al neonato en el 2020. Muestreo por conveniencia. Se aplicó cuestionario digital que recolectó información sociodemográfica; evaluó conocimientos, idoneidad y prácticas sobre la "Guía de práctica clínica (GPC)" mencionada en los objetivos. Se hace análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 101 trabajadores. Hay deficiencias relacionadas con la aplicación correcta del algoritmo inverso de diagnóstico (48 %) y seguimiento de SG (77 %), manejo de la paciente con antecedentes de alergias de manifestaciones sistémicas (31 %) y tratamiento de la SG (61 %) y SC (10 %). La recomendación de no aplicar prueba de penicilina en pacientes sin antecedentes de alergias sistémicas se considera poco útil (60 %). El 23 % de los trabajadores no emplea las pruebas rápidas y el 44 % de los especialistas da tratamiento para sífilis al compañero sexual. Conclusiones: Es importante intensificar las estrategias de capacitación en el personal de salud con énfasis en el personal de enfermería y, de manera urgente, empoderar a este personal en las actividades relacionadas con el control de la sífilis. Se requiere hacer nuevas y continúas evaluaciones a nivel nacional y regional de la implementación de esta guía que permitan evaluar los indicadores que contiene la estrategia de eliminación de esta enfermedad.

Objectives: To describe the knowledge, appropriateness and practices regarding the evidence-based "Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the comprehensive management of gestational syphilis (GS) and congenital syphilis (CS)". Material and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study including general practitioners, specialists and nurses working at 52 healthcare institutions in the Bolivar Department (Colombia) who provided prenatal control or neonatal care in 2020. Convenience sampling was used. A digital questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic information, assessed knowledge, appropriateness and practices in terms of the evidenced-based "Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)" mentioned in the objectives. A descriptive analysis followed. Results: A total of 101 workers were included. There are deficiencies associated with the correct use of the inverse algorithm of diagnosis (48 %) and GS follow-up (77 %), management of the patient with a history of systemic manifestation allergies (31 %) and treatment of GS (61 %) and CS (10 %). The recommendation of not using the penicillin test in patients with no history of systemic allergies is considered of little benefit (60 %). 23 % of the workers do not use rapid tests and 44 % of the specialists administer syphilis treatment to the sexual partner. Conclusions: It is important to intensify the training strategies for health personnel with emphasis on nurses and, as a matter of urgency, empower them in syphilis control activities. New and continuous national and regional evaluations of the implementation of these guidelines are needed to assess the indicators associated with the strategy for the elimination of this disease.

Hospitalizations for congenital syphilis in children under one year old in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon: ecological study.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of congenital syphilis shows flaws in the resolution of primary health care, being a predictor of greater use of hospital services, whose regional differences in access to health actions and services may be reflected in health inequalities. OBJECTIVE: to investigate hospitalizations due to congenital syphilis in children under one year of age, in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: an ecological study was carried out, using hospitalization, lethality and mortality rates related to congenital syphilis in children under one year of age. Temporal analysis and mapping of hospitalization flows were carried out using Joinpoint®, version 4.7.0.0, Terraview 4.2.2, Tabwin 4.1.5. RESULTS: A total of 6,487 hospitalizations were recorded. For the ten years of the study period (2009 to 2018), the lethality rate showed a decreasing trend of - 13.5% (p = 0.01). The crude hospitalization rate showed an increasing trend of 12.8% (p < 0.000. The regression analysis demonstrated that there was a change point in the trend with a significant growth of 12.8% until 2016 (p = 0.0006). In the mortality rate the trend was stable (p = 0.56). The analysis of hospitalization care flows made it possible to identify that most hospitalizations due to congenital syphilis occurred in the municipalities of residence, but 1,378 (21.2%) had to move. Two large care gaps were highlighted in Metropolitan health regions II and III, belonging to macroregion II. The hospitalizations of residents of these regions were carried out by the assistance networks of Belém (capital) and Marituba, both of which are part of Metropolitana I. Residents of macroregions III and IV had the greatest distances traveled to access hospital care. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the rate of hospitalizations with an increasing trend demonstrates the impact that syphilis still causes in Brazil, not being resolved even after national government interventions in primary health care, but there was a decreasing trend in the fatality rate. The results demonstrate a heterogeneous organization of health care networks in the state's health regions and macroregions.

Congenital syphilis presenting with granulomatous scalp nodules.

We describe a case of congenital syphilis in an adopted infant with a unique dermatologic presentation of scalp granulomas, along with lymphadenopathy, anemia, and elevated liver transaminases. To our knowledge, this cutaneous morphology has not been previously reported in the literature. This case highlights the varied clinical presentation of congenital syphilis and the diagnostic challenge it poses for clinicians, especially in the context of unknown prenatal history/unknown risk factors, or if syphilis is acquired during pregnancy after routine screening is performed. As the incidence of congenital syphilis has more than tripled in recent years, this diagnosis should be considered when a neonate or infant presents with unexplained skin nodules.

Advantages and limitations of current diagnostic laboratory approaches in syphilis and congenital syphilis.

INTRODUCTION: The reemergence of syphilis, especially congenital syphilis, presents a significant public health threat. Accurate diagnosis of syphilis depends on recognition of a constellation of symptoms, review of medical and sexual history, and multiple laboratory tests. While reliable, current tests for syphilis can be difficult to interpret, which can lead to delays in treatment. AREA COVERED: This review summarizes the major advantages and limitations of available diagnostic laboratory methods for syphilis, provides an update on recent advances in laboratory tools, and highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to create new tools to halt the resurgence of syphilis. EXPERT OPINION: In syphilis, the wide variety of short-lived signs and symptoms followed by periods of latency create diagnostic challenges. Currently available laboratory tests, when positive, require additional information to interpret (prior testing, treatment, and sexual history). Point-of-care tests that can rapidly and accurately detect both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies would be a huge step toward reducing test turnaround time and time to treatment. Incorporating biological insights and technology innovations to advance the development of direct detection assays is urgently needed. A comprehensive coordinated effort is critical to stem the tide of rising syphilis in the United States and globally.

Sífilis gestacional e congênita no estado do Paraná de 2017 a 2021: estudo transversal / Gestational and congenital syphilis in the state of Paraná from 2017 to 2021: cross-sectional study

Caracterizar e delimitar a prevalência e perfil epidemiológico da sífilis gestacional e congênita no estado do Paraná nos anos de 2017 a 2021. Estudo transversal e descritivo, com análise dos dados epidemiológicos da sífilis gestacional e congênita no estado do Paraná de 2017 a 2021. Foram utilizados os dados disponíveis no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). No período de 2017-2021 foram notificados 12.258 casos de sífilis gestacional e 3.691 casos de sífilis congênita no Paraná. A regional de saúde com maior taxa de notificação de sífilis gestacional foi a 7ª, e a com maior taxa de casos congênitos foi a 9ª. O perfil epidemiológico das gestantes infectadas, destacou aquelas que residiam na zona urbana, com ensino médio completo, brancas, com idade entre 20 a 39 anos, sífilis terciária e diagnosticada no terceiro trimestre de gestação. A sífilis gestacional e congênita é um problema de saúde pública no Paraná, e é de suma importância o fortalecimento de políticas pública efetivas e estratégias de prevenção, detecção precoce e tratamento adequado além de aprimoramento dos programas de triagem e testagem.

To characterize and delimit the prevalence and epidemiological profile of gestational and congenital syphilis in the state of Paraná in the years 2017 to 2021. Cross-sectional and descriptive study, with analysis of the epidemiological data of gestational and congenital syphilis in the state of Paraná from 2017 to 2021. The data available in the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) were used. In the period 2017-2021, 12,258 cases of gestational syphilis and 3,691 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in Paraná. The health regional with the highest notification rate of gestational syphilis was the 7th, and the one with the highest rate of congenital cases was the 9th. The epidemiological profile of infected pregnant women highlighted those living in urban areas, with complete high school education, white, aged between 20 and 39 years, tertiary syphilis and diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy. Gestational and congenital syphilis is a public health problem in Paraná, and it is of utmost importance the strengthening of effective public policies and strategies for prevention, early detection and adequate treatment, besides the improvement of screening and testing programs.

Research progress on the mechanism of Treponema pallidum breaking through placental barrier.

Congenital syphilis, a significant cause of fetal mortality worldwide, is a congenital infectious disease instigated by the vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum during pregnancy. Clinical manifestations include preterm delivery, stillbirth, neonatal skin lesions, skeletal abnormalities, and central nervous system aberrations. The ongoing increase in the incidence of congenital syphilis, coupled with complexities in diagnosis, necessitates a detailed understanding of its pathogenesis for the development of improved diagnostic approaches, and to interrupt the route of vertical transmission. Drawing from the broader body of research associated with vertical transmission pathogens, we aim to clarify the potential mechanisms by which Treponema pallidum breaches the placental barrier to infect the fetus.

Congenital syphilis in Switzerland: a marker of inequality? A mini-review.

Syphilis remains a global public health problem, with growing incidence in most regions of the world, particularly among women of childbearing age. This alarming trend has led to an increase in cases of congenital syphilis, resulting in devastating consequences. While the implementation of measures by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various governments has contributed to a decline in the global incidence of congenital syphilis, many countries are facing an escalating crisis, as incidence continues to rise. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of the current state of this disease in different parts of the world, focusing on the most affected populations and highlighting congenital syphilis as a marker of vulnerability. It also focuses on Switzerland, a country with a robust economy, to identify shortcomings in the healthcare system that contribute to the persistence of congenital syphilis, even though the infection is easily detectable and treatable. In conclusion, this mini-review highlights the persistent risk of congenital syphilis worldwide, regardless of country prevalence or economic status, and underscores the need for sustained efforts to reach underserved women, emphasizing the vital role of comprehensive training for healthcare professionals.

The prevalence of risk for hearing impairment in newborns with congenital syphilis in a newborn hearing screening program (NHS).

Objective: To study the prevalence of risk for hearing impairment in neonates with congenital syphilis in a newborn hearing screening program. Study design: The study design is retrospective, documentary, and is cross-sectional. The sample consisted of newborns who were born between January 2019 and December 2021 and who underwent neonatal hearing screening in a public maternity hospital. Demographic data and the presence and specification of risk indicators for hearing impairment (RIHL) were collected. In retest cases, the results and the final score were also collected. For data analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis and Conover-Iman post-hoc tests were used, comparing the groups that passed and failed the hearing screening that had RIHL, using a significance level of p of <0.5. Results: Among the RIHL observed in the sample, prematurity was more frequent in newborns who passed the screening (55.26%) than in those who failed the test (45.67%). Congenital syphilis was the ninth most frequent RIHL (8.04%) among the newborns who passed the test and the 15th factor (3.03%), with the highest occurrence in those who failed the hearing screening. When comparing the two groups (pass and fail), we found significant differences (p < 0.05) between them. Conclusion: Congenital syphilis was the ninth risk indicator for the most common hearing impairment and, in isolation, did not present a risk for failure in neonatal hearing screening. Notably, congenital syphilis can cause late hearing loss during child development. Thus, there is an indication of audiological monitoring of these neonates.

Clinical characteristics of infants hospitalized with early congenital syphilitic nephropathy: a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study in China.

BACKGROUND: Early studies claimed that early congenital syphilitic (CS) nephropathy was rare, and systematic studies about this disease are absent, which may lead to poor awareness of early CS nephropathy in clinicians and result in misdiagnosis and poor patient prognosis. The present study systematically and comprehensively analyzes the clinical characteristics of infants with early CS nephropathy hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital, an infectious disease hospital in China in order to improve the understanding and management of this disorder. METHODS: Data of the children with early CS from July 1, 2008, to December 31, 2021, were collected from the electronic medical record system of the hospital. Each patient's demographic characteristics, clinical history, mother's history of syphilitic infection, and laboratory values were extracted. The patients were enrolled to either the nephropathy group or the non-nephropathy group depending on diagnosis. Descriptive statistics was used to report basic demographics, clinical and laboratory test values, and variables were compared between the two groups by nonparametric tests, t test or χ2 tests. RESULTS: Of the 122 children with early CS enrolled, 24(19.7%) were diagnosed with early CS nephropathy. All of the children with CS nephropathy were young infants < 6 months old. A majority of them showed typical congenital syphilitic skin lesions, but a quarter of them did not have skin lesions. Compared with non-nephropathic children with early CS, those with nephropathy had higher frequency of hepatosplenomegaly, fever, edema, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and anemia, as well as decreased C3 levels. Urinalysis results showed hematuria in all patients with early CS nephropathy, with proteinuria and renal function impairment in 91.7% and 12.5% of the patients, respectively. Nephritic-type nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis were diagnosed in 45.8% and 54.2% of these patients, respectively. All infants with CS nephropathy were cured or improved after appropriate treatments. CONCLUSION: Infants with early CS nephropathy often presented with nephritic-type nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis, and the typical skin lesions, fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and edema, etc., were its common clinical presentations, and these characteristics could help with the diagnosis. But for infants with nephropathy who did not have typical clinical presentations, CS should also be screened as an important etiology to avoid misdiagnosis.

Analyzing a national health surveillance strategy to reduce mother-to-child transmission of syphilis: The case of Brazilian investigation committees.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relevance of investigation committees in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of syphilis in Brazil. Methods: Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with health managers of 25 Brazilian Federative Units and Brazil's Federal District. Data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis technique and subsequently compared with the global prescriptions for syphilis response of the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, and recent research publications examining the course of syphilis in Brazil, in Brazilian regions, and globally. Results: While the investigation committees drew on the successful experience of those in reducing maternal mortality, which helped the country achieve the Millennium Development Goals, they are not demonstrated to be sufficient for preventing mother-to-child transmission of syphilis. The committees' systematic and bureaucratic agenda has not been efficient in managing avoidable factors for syphilis, nor do they operate in the scope of the integration of surveillance and care actions, as recommended by the health policy. Conclusion: The committees' model needs to be reviewed in the context of Brazil's National Health System. The research process should be rescaled in order to remain a cornerstone for the induction of health policy that integrates surveillance and healthcare across Brazilian Federative Units. The advancement toward an automated case management model becomes relevant for the country to meet global commitments to eliminate congenital syphilis transmission and achieve the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

Cytokine profiles in an extremely preterm infant with congenital syphilis.

We report the cytokine profiles of an infant with congenital syphilis as a first case. This female infant was born by vaginal delivery at a gestational age of 27 weeks during her mother's treatment for syphilis. Elevation of T helper (Th)-1 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12) and IL-17, which supports immunological mechanisms of Th-1, was similar to that in cases of syphilis in adults. IL-6 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), the synergistic effects of which cause the leukemoid reaction, were also elevated. The levels of interferon-γ and IL-17 in cerebral spinal fluid, which are elevated in neurosyphilis in adults, were slightly elevated.