title: Syphilis Infection: An Uncommon Etiology of Infectious Nonimmune Fetal Hydrops with Anemia.
abstract: An increased prevalence of syphilis has been observed in many developed countries over the last decade. During pregnancy, syphilis can affect the fetus through development of nonspecific symptoms such as microcephaly, ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, dilated and echogenic bowel, placentomegaly, and, uncommonly, fetal hydrops. Congenital syphilis also leads to hematologic abnormalities such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and leukocytosis. We present a case of nonimmune fetal hydrops with anemia related to syphilis infection. Diagnosis was confirmed by a maternal serological test and microbiological testing on amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, and placental tissues. The patient was treated with penicillin and the fetus received an intrauterine red blood cell transfusion, but fetal death occurred shortly after. Such a presentation is mostly related to parvovirus B19, and syphilis etiology is poorly mentioned because physicians have rarely seen early congenital syphilis in the past. However, given the increasing prevalence of this disease in the adult population, clinicians should remain alert to the various presentations of congenital syphilis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Sainte Justine - Universitx00E9; de Montrx00E9;al, Montrx00E9;al, Qux00E9;., Canada.
authors.forename: Florent
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: Katell
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Michaux
authors.forename: Céline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rousseau
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ovetchkine
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Audibert
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000382:microbiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology*; D013590:Syphilis, Congenital / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult