Abstract:
Screening tests for syphilis are performed during early pregnancy in
Japan. However, syphilis may develop after the second trimester, and
remain undiagnosed due to the current screening methods. Moreover, no
guidelines have been established for management of syphilis in the third
trimester. We present the case of syphilis in the third trimester of a
32-year-old primipara female, which was managed successfully. Her early
pregnancy screening tests were negative for syphilis. In the third
trimester, she was diagnosed with second-stage syphilis. Treatment with
penicillin G resulted in gross resolution of the ulcer and the skin
rash. However, the risk of peripartum infection could not be ruled out.
Therefore, caesarean section was performed at 38 weeks of gestation.
Guidelines should be established for management of syphilis and mode of
delivery during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, which
would aid in successful disease management and prevention of perinatal
death or disability.
Key words: Cesarian Section/Pregnancy/Pregnancy
Complications, Infectious/ Syphilis, Congenital