Too Late to Treat: Missed Antenatal Syphilis Screening and a Fatal Neonatal Outcome - A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis in pregnancy, caused by Treponema pallidum, can be vertically transmitted, leading to serious neonatal complications such as preterm birth, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Despite global efforts to reduce its prevalence, challenges such as inadequate antenatal screening and delayed treatment persist. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing adverse outcomes.

Case illustration: A 24-year-old pregnant woman (G3P2A0) was admitted at 29-30 weeks of gestation with premature rupture of membranes and labor contractions. She had been diagnosed with syphilis at 28 weeks but had not received treatment. The baby boy was delivered prematurely and suffered from severe asphyxia and respiratory distress, requiring resuscitation. Sadly, he passed away three hours after birth. The mother was discharged after receiving the first dose of syphilis treatment.

Conclusion: This case highlights the critical importance of early syphilis screening and timely treatment during pregnancy to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Delayed intervention in this case contributed to a poor prognosis. Comprehensive antenatal screening and prompt follow-up care are essential to reducing the risk of congenital syphilis and its complications.