Congenital syphilis

About 3 weeks before admission, the patient showed initial signs of red papules scattered on the buttocks, progressing to blisters spreading to both legs, both arms and the neck. The child was taken to a local clinic by his family, diagnosed with dermatitis and prescribed topical medication. Later, the condition worsened, the blisters burst, yellow fluid mixed with blood flowed, the child had a high fever of 38 degrees Celsius, the family took the child to the local hospital. At this time, the examination and test results showed that the child had congenital syphilis with severe anemia. The patient was transferred to the Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital of Tropical Diseases.

When admitted to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the patient was malnourished, severely anemic, had a high fever, and had blistering skin lesions in many areas of the body. After 2 weeks of intensive treatment, the patient was discharged in stable condition.

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

Doctor Truong noted: Congenital syphilis is transmitted through blood or from an infected mother 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, ears, and even progress to the nervous system, causing serious sequelae. This disease is completely preventable if pregnant women are proactively screened for syphilis. Therefore, regular prenatal checkups and compliance with medical instructions are the best ways to prevent congenital syphilis.