Yonsei Med J.  1976 Dec;17(2):142-150. 10.3349/ymj.1976.17.2.142.

Hematological Aspects of Congenital Syphilis

• Kim KY
• Kim SH

• KMID: 687724
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.1976.17.2.142

Abstract

Hematologic investigations for 7 years at the Pediatric Department of Yonsei Medical Center of 52 syphilitic infants were reviewed. A moderate degree of anemia with red cell regeneration was observed in 40 infants (76.0%). Marked. thrombocytopenia but without active bleeding was found in 19 infants, and with active bleeding in 3 infants. A wide range of leukocyte counts, relative lymphocytosis and monocytosis were prominant features. The jaundice was mainly due to unconjugated bilirubin in 6 infants, conjugated as well as unconjugated bilirubin in 8 infants. With therapy, the above abnormal hematologic findings showed marked improvement. Early diagnosis is essential. Prevention and congenital syphilis depend on a high level of clinical suspicion, supported by routine and diagnostic use of laboratory and serologic aids, in the asymptomatic or minimally symptomtaic infants.

MeSH Terms

Bilirubin/blood
Blood Cell Count
Blood Platelets
Female
Hemoglobins/metabolism
Human
Infant, Newborn
Reticulocytes
Syphilis, Congenital/blood*