Thrombocytopenia and congenital syphilis in south african bantu infants

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia complicating congenital syphilis is described in 15 cases. Syphilis is a most important cause of thrombocytopenia and bleeding during the first few months of life among African babies at Baragwanath Hospital. The severe complications which may attend the bleeding diathesis, and the good response to therapy make early diagnosis essential.