Congenital Syphilis: A Challenging Case for NICU Clinicians

Abstract

Congenital syphilis (CS) has been consistently on the rise in the United States since 2012, despite long-standing recommendations for routine testing and treatment of pregnant women. CS is associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death, and organ dysfunction in the newborn. Prevention is the optimal goal; however, early identification of infected infants is imperative to reduce the risk of serious, long-term complications. Clinicians must possess adequate knowledge of CS and the potentially life-threatening conditions that can arise to provide immediate and effective care. This case study portrays the clinical presentation of an infant with CS and the management of the multisystem effects of the disease.