Haemophagocytosis in early congenital syphilis

Eur J Pediatr. 1999 Jul;158(7):553-5. doi: 10.1007/s004310051145.

Abstract

A previously healthy male infant developed hepatosplenomegaly, severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia 5 weeks after birth. Marked haemophagocytosis was present in the bone marrow. A typical maculopapular rash suggested early congenital syphilis. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology and by the presence of untreated syphilis in both parents.

Conclusion: Syphilis needs to be excluded in infants suspected of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / etiology*
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leukocytes / physiology
  • Male
  • Penicillin G / therapeutic use
  • Phagocytosis
  • Splenomegaly / diagnosis
  • Splenomegaly / etiology
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis
  • Syphilis, Congenital / complications
  • Syphilis, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Syphilis, Congenital / drug therapy
  • Syphilis, Congenital / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Penicillin G