Intravenous Penicillin for Antenatal Syphilotherapy
Author Information
Author(s): Henry L. Galan, Paul M. Yandell, Alfred B. Knight
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Scott and White Clinic and Memorial Hospital
Hypothesis
Can high-dose intravenous penicillin effectively treat severe fetal hydrops caused by syphilis during pregnancy?
Conclusion
High-dose intravenous penicillin treatment led to the complete resolution of fetal hydrops and placental thickening within three weeks.
Supporting Evidence
- Weekly injections of Bicillin were initially ineffective, leading to the switch to IV penicillin.
- Serial sonograms showed improvement in fetal condition after starting IV therapy.
- The fetus was born at term with no signs of congenital syphilis.
Takeaway
A pregnant woman with a sick baby due to syphilis was treated with penicillin, and after a few weeks, the baby got better and was born healthy.
Methodology
The patient received a continuous infusion of 18 million U penicillin G daily for 10 days, with serial sonograms to monitor fetal condition.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 21-year-old black woman at 24 weeks gestation.
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