The Cribsiders S7 Ep145: The Great Imitator: Unmasking Congenital Syphilis
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Jul 2, 2025 Join Dr. Ryan Rochat, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases, as he sheds light on congenital syphilis, often dubbed The Great Imitator. He discusses the increasing cases and the importance of screening pregnant individuals. Dr. Rochat shares insights from establishing a specialized clinic, emphasizing the challenges of managing this neglected disease. The conversation dives into accurate testing protocols, the enduring efficacy of penicillin treatment, and the striking disparities in incidence rates among communities, underscoring the urgent need for improved access to care.
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Importance of Syphilis Screening in Pregnancy
- Screen pregnant women early and late in pregnancy to detect syphilis and prevent congenital cases.
- Timely treatment reduces but does not completely eliminate transmission risk to infants.
Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test Explained
- RPR tests detect antibody levels to measure syphilis infection and monitor treatment response.
- RPR titers represent blood dilution levels and guide ongoing patient management.
Dual Syphilis Testing Approach
- Send both rapid treponemal screening and RPR simultaneously in pregnancy for accurate syphilis diagnosis.
- Reflex testing helps confirm positive results and reduce confusion caused by false positives.