TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS IN NEONATES AT THE VIETNAM NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
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Abstract
Objective: To assess the treatment outcomes of congenital syphilis in neonates at the VietNam National Children's Hospital.
Methods: A case-series study was conducted on 61 infants with proven or highly probable congenital syphilis admitted to the Neonatal Center, Vietnam National Children's Hospital, from January 1, 2022, to July 30, 2026.
Results: Among the 61 infants, the mortality rate was 6.6%; 49.2% of infants required mechanical ventilation and 23.0% required vasopressor support. Clinical manifestations, white blood cell and platelet counts, and CRP levels improved after treatment. At discharge, 58.5% of infants had at least one persistent organ injury, with liver injury being the most common (52.8%).
Conclusion: Penicillin therapy significantly improves clinical and laboratory outcomes in neonates with congenital syphilis. However, the disease imposes a substantial critical care burden, with persistent organ involvement frequently observed at discharge. Enhanced prenatal screening for early treatment and multidisciplinary post-discharge follow-up for affected infants are warranted.
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Keywords
Congenital syphilis, infection, neonates
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