Congenital syphilis as a cause of death in a newborn in 31st week of pregnancy – significance of testing for syphilis during pregnancy

Abstract

Summary: Objective: Description of a case of newborn death after acute caesarean section in 31st week of pregnancy because of mother’s syphilitic infection. Results: Fifteen-years-old primigravid woman in 31st week of pregnancy was admitted to a secondary level hospital due to a high risk of preterm labor. The pregnancy was terminated with an acute caesarean section because of pathological cardiotocograph record. The newborn died after 35 min of resuscitation. Blood samples from the umbilical cord and mother’s blood taken by her gynecologist were positive for syphilis. In cooperation with a dermatologist, the treatment has been provided and reported to the National Referential Laboratory. The autopsy of the newborn had found severe pneumonia, necrotic lymphadenitis and pyocele. Conclusion: The diagnosis of congenital syphilis had been determined after the death of a preterm delivered newborn. Resuscitation had no chance to success because of syphilitic damage of the lungs.