Congenital Syphilis: Signs, Treatment, Prevention & Outlook for Baby

Explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis for congenital syphilis, as well as legal recourse for families affected by potential medical negligence

Congenital syphilis, which can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery if the mother has an active syphilis infection, poses severe risks to a baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, bone deformities, hearing and vision problems, and even death.

Despite this infection being almost entirely preventable in newborns, its incidence has been rising at an alarming rate across the U.S. in recent years.

This article aims to shed light on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for congenital syphilis, as well as the potential legal recourse available to families if their child’s congenital syphilis was the result of medical negligence.

How do babies get congenital syphilis?

Babies get congenital syphilis if they’re infected by the bacteria that causes syphilis, called Treponema pallidum. This transmission can occur if the baby’s mother has an active syphilis infection during pregnancy and it is not diagnosed or treated adequately before the baby is born.

The bacteria can pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta, the organ that nourishes the baby in the womb, or during childbirth if the baby comes into contact with syphilitic sores during a vaginal delivery.

Why are newborns getting syphilis?

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of congenital syphilis in the U.S. have been rising dramatically for the last decade, increasing a staggering 755%, from 335 cases in 2012 to 2,865 cases in 2021.

How is syphilis treated during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, syphilis is treated with penicillin, an antibiotic that is effective at eradicating the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which causes syphilis. Penicillin is safe for use during pregnancy and is the only recommended treatment for pregnant women with syphilis.

The treatment regimen depends on the stage of syphilis and may range from a single dose to multiple doses administered at weekly intervals, particularly for later stages of the infection.

How effective is the treatment for syphilis in pregnancy?

Treatment during pregnancy is highly effective at preventing congenital syphilis, the transmission of syphilis from mother to baby.

However, the timing of the treatment is crucial; treatment given early in the pregnancy offers the best chance of preventing transmission. Even so, it’s important for babies born to mothers who were treated for syphilis during pregnancy to be examined carefully for signs of congenital syphilis and to receive any necessary evaluation or treatment.

What happens to a baby whose mother has syphilis?

When a baby’s mother has syphilis, the baby is at risk of acquiring congenital syphilis, which can lead to several serious health outcomes, including:

• Miscarriage. Syphilis increases the risk of miscarriage, where the pregnancy ends on its own before the baby is developed enough to survive outside the womb.
• Stillbirth. The infection can cause the baby to be stillborn, meaning the baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Premature birth. Syphilis can lead to premature birth, where the baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy and may face various health challenges.
• Low birth weight. Babies born to mothers with syphilis may weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2500 grams) at birth, putting them at higher risk for health problems.
• Death shortly after birth. Infants born with congenital syphilis are at an increased risk of dying in the neonatal period due to severe complications from the infection.

What are the signs of congenital syphilis?

It’s important to understand that some babies may show no symptoms of syphilis at birth but can still develop serious health problems over time. Symptoms of syphilis in newborns can include the following:

• Early signs, appearing within the first few weeks of life, can include rash, fever, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), anemia, and other symptoms.
• Late signs, which may emerge weeks, months, or even years after birth, include dental abnormalities, bone deformities, hearing loss, vision problems, and neurological issues.

Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and babies are crucial to preventing these outcomes.

Can babies survive congenital syphilis?

Yes, babies can survive congenital syphilis, especially with early detection and appropriate treatment.

So, how do you treat a baby born with syphilis?

The key to improving outcomes for babies born with congenital syphilis is to identify and begin treating the infection with penicillin immediately after birth. Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe, long-term health problems associated with congenital syphilis, such as developmental delays, neurological issues, and physical deformities.

However, the prognosis for a baby with congenital syphilis depends on several factors, including the stage of the infection at birth, whether and when the baby receives treatment, and the presence of any complications.

While many infants treated promptly may not experience long-term effects, congenital syphilis can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Is congenital syphilis considered medical malpractice?

Whether congenital syphilis is considered medical malpractice depends on the specifics of the case. Generally speaking, medical malpractice involves a failure to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient.

For congenital syphilis to be considered medical malpractice, several criteria would typically need to be met:

• Failure to screen. If a health care provider failed to offer or perform standard prenatal screening for syphilis in a pregnant woman, this could be medical malpractice.
• Failure to diagnose. If syphilis was present during pregnancy but was not diagnosed due to oversight or neglect by a health care professional, this could be considered medical negligence.
• Failure to treat. If a diagnosis of syphilis was made but appropriate treatment was not administered in a timely manner to the pregnant woman or their baby, this may be grounds for a birth injury lawsuit.
• Inadequate follow-up. If there was a failure to follow up on test results or to ensure that treatment was effective, this could also be considered medical malpractice.

If you believe your child’s congenital syphilis resulted from medical malpractice, you should consult with an experienced birth injury attorney who can review your medical records, consult with medical experts, and provide guidance on the viability of your claim based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Concerned that your child’s syphilis was the result of medical negligence?

If you’re grappling with concerns that your child’s congenital syphilis might have been the result of medical negligence, it’s crucial to seek the expertise of an experienced birth injury attorney. Laura Brown at Brown Trial Firm stands ready to support your family through this challenging time.

With a deep commitment to advocating for the rights of affected families and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in birth injury cases like these, Laura offers the expertise, compassion, and legal knowledge necessary to navigate your case.

Contact Brown Trial Firm today to schedule a free consultation to explore your legal options, and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation your family deserves.

References

McDonald, R. (2023). Vital Signs: Missed Opportunities for Preventing Congenital Syphilis — United States, 2022. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7246e1