Congenital syphilis

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Congenital syphilis

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Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

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A 28-month-old boy is brought to the pediatrician for a routine evaluation. The patient was born via vaginal delivery at 38-weeks of gestational age. The patient’s mother received minimal antenatal care. During the third trimester of pregnancy, the mother had developed a disseminated maculopapular rash involving the palms and soles and arthralgias. The patient’s weight is at the 25th percentile, and head circumference is at the 50th percentile. Vitals are within normal limits. Abdominal examination reveals hepatosplenomegaly. A depressed nasal bridge, malformed teeth, and bowing of the tibia are also observed. Cardiovascular examination is unremarkable. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s condition?  

External References

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Congenital syphilis p. 145

Deafness

congenital syphilis p. 145

Facies

congenital syphilis p. 145

Saber shins

congenital syphilis p. 145

Saddle nose

congenital syphilis p. 145

Teeth

congenital syphilis p. 145

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Summary

Congenital syphilis is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection that affects newborn babies, and its caused by the treponema pallidum bacterium. It results from an intrauterine transmission of the bacterium from the mother to the fetus. Congenital syphilis can present with notched (Hutchinson) teeth, persistent snuffles (nasal discharge), saddle nose, and hepatosplenomegaly. Such newborns can also have jaundice and sensorineural deafness. Congenital syphilis can cause a baby to die or develop permanent physical and mental disabilities, if it is not treated. In pregnant women, syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth.