What is congenital syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a certain type of bacteria (treponema pallidum). When a baby acquires syphilis from his mother, it’s called “congenital” syphilis. In other words, congenital just simply means that it’s present at birth. If mom has syphilis, she will pass it to her baby during pregnancy and/or during vaginal birth. The baby will come in direct contact with the syphilis sore, ultimately infecting him/her. If you have syphilis during pregnancy and don’t get treated, it may cause serious problems for your baby, including death.
Babies with congenital syphilis are admitted to the NICU for many reasons. For one, this bacterial infection is often directly associated with drug and/or alcohol exposure in utero. Whenever the baby’s care team suspects substance abuse in addition to the STI, an extra thorough physical assessment is conducted & extra precautionary steps are performed for the safety of the newborn.
Congenital syphilis can cause complications for your baby during pregnancy and after birth. Your baby may seem healthy at birth, but syphilis may cause health complications later if he doesn’t get treated right away.
Complications during pregnancy may include:
Miscarriage
Premature birth
Fetal growth restriction (also called growth-restricted or small for gestational age) and low birthweight.
Problems with the placenta and the umbilical cord.
Stillbirth
Complications after birth may include:
Neonatal death
Fever
Anemia
Rashes/lesions/sores
Runny nose
If not treated right away, congenital syphilis can cause problems for your baby later in life, including:
Deformed bones and/or problems with bones and joints, including pain, swelling and conditions like saber shin, saddle nose and Hutchinson teeth. A bone survey will be performed while your baby is in the NICU to examine his/her bones.
Brain and nerve problems, such as blindness and deafness. An eye exam and hearing screen will be performed to assess these vital organs.
Developmental delays. Your child may not reach developmental milestones at a certain age when expected.
Problems with the spleen and liver, including jaundice (click here) and hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged spleen). An abdominal ultrasound and X-rays will be performed while admitted in the NICU.
Meningitis. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) will be performed to assess the CSF while your baby is in the NICU.
How is congenital syphilis treated?
The infection will be treated with the antibiotic called penicillin G. Depending on the extent of the exposure determines how long your baby will be treated with this medication.
Can you prevent your baby from having congenital syphilis?
Yes! Congenital syphilis is completely preventable. You can protect your baby from the infection by getting tested and treated early during pregnancy. Prenatal care is essential to the overall health and wellness of you and your baby.