Single-dose benzathine penicillin in infants at risk of congenital syphilis--results of a randomised study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of single-dose benzathine penicillin G in infants at high risk of congenital syphilis.


METHODS
Randomised study comparing benzathine penicillin with no therapy.


METHODS
Peninsula Maternal and Neonatal Service, Cape Town.


METHODS
Asymptomatic infants born to mothers with untreated syphilis whose VDRL titre was 32 or more.


METHODS
The number of cases of congenital syphilis was determined by results of IgM Western blots and follow-up VDRL titres.


CONCLUSIONS
Of 8 patients followed up in the non-treatment group, 4 had congenital syphilis while 0/11 had the disease (P = 0.035) in the group receiving benzathine penicillin. Although the exact failure rate is unknown, benzathine penicillin is effective in preventing symptomatic congenital syphilis when administered to high-risk newborns.
Radcliffe
M
M
Department of Paediatrics, Groote Schuur Hospital.
Meyer
M
M
Roditi
D
D
Malan
A
A
D015153:Blotting, Western; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010401:Penicillin G Benzathine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010406:Penicillins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D013019:South Africa; D013587:Syphilis; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis; D013590:Syphilis, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D010406:Penicillins; D010401:Penicillin G Benzathine