Neonatal acute syphilitic meningitis: A case report

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gupta, Vijay Kumar | Dewan, Vivek | Nandan, Devki | Kumar, Praveen | Bahl, Dheeraj | Kaur, Nirmaljeet

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India

Note: [] Correspondence: Vijay Kumar Gupta, M.D., Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi 110001, India. Tel.: +91 11 23404555; Fax: +91 11 23404592; E-mail: vijkgupta@yahoo.com

Abstract: Although abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings similar to aseptic meningitis are reported in up to 80% infants with congenital syphilis, overt symptomatic meningeal syphilis is quite a rare presentation, especially at an early age. We report a neonate who presented at 60 hours of life with irritability, poor activity, seizures and bulging fontanel. He was confirmed to have acute syphilitic meningitis.

Keywords: Congenital syphilis, meningitis, newborn

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 57-60, 2008