Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Congenital syphilis

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Congenital lues; Fetal syphilis


Treatment

Penicillin is used to treat all forms of syphilis.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Many infants who were infected early in the pregnancy are stillborn. Treatment of the expectant mother lowers the risk of congenital syphilis in the infant. Babies who become infected when passing through the birth canal have a better outlook.


Complications
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Deformity of the face
  • Neurological problems

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your baby has signs or symptoms of this condition.

If you think that you may have syphilis and are pregnant (or anticipate becoming pregnant), call your health care provider immediately.



Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Norhtwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)