Living with Congenital syphilis
An infection passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy that can affect the skin, liver, bones, eyes, and hearing.
Understanding Congenital syphilis
Early signs in the first two years can include a rash, an enlarged liver and spleen, bone inflammation, a runny nose, and eye inflammation. Later signs can include Hutchinson's teeth, eye cornea inflammation, and hearing loss. Other signs can include a saddle-shaped nose, shin changes, and seizures. It can start during pregnancy or in newborns.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Rash that may peel
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Bone and bone-lining inflammation
- Small red or purple skin spots
- Fluid buildup before birth (hydrops fetalis)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum passing from an infected mother to her baby before birth.
Also known as: mother-to-child transmission of syphilis; mtct of syphilis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital syphilis.
Explore research for Congenital syphilis
Explore actively recruiting Congenital syphilis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital syphilis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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