210 why children lose their hearing and what we can do
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed from
mother to baby during pregnancy and cause loss of hearing. Without
treatment, syphilis can invade any part of the body. It can damage the
inner ear and the nerves that affect hearing and cause deafness.
Signs:
The signs for syphilis in an infant or a child may be: rashes,
blisters on the palms or toes, sores, or anal warts; swollen spleen,
liver, or retina, or generalized swelling; jaundice, ringing in the
ears, dizziness, deafness that comes and goes, loss of eyesight, and
headaches. (Some of these signs are different from those in an adult.)
If there is any chance that someone, especially a pregnant woman or a
child, may have syphilis, she should immediately see a health worker.
Special blood tests and other tests may be needed. If the person cannot go
to a health center or hospital, give the treatment for syphilis.
To treat syphilis (not neurosyphilis)
For children and adults who have had syphilis for less than 2 years:
• inject benzylpenicillin (also called penicillin G or crystalline
penicillin) in the muscle. Give 1.2 million units (720 mg) in each
buttock, 1 time only (a total dose of 2.4 million units or 1.44 g).
or
• inject procaine benzylpenicillin in the muscle. Give 1.2 million units (1.2
g) every day, for 10 days.
For children and adults who have had syphilis for more than 2 years:
• inject benzylpenicillin in the muscle. Give 1.2 million units (720 mg)
in each buttock, once a week for 3 weeks (2.4 million units per dose).
or
• inject procaine benzylpenicillin in the muscle. Give 1.2 million units (1.2
g) every day for 3 weeks.
If allergic to penicillin and over 8 years old (and not pregnant)
For children and adults who have had syphilis for less than 2 years:
• give doxycycline, 2 mg for every kilo of body weight (to a maximum of 100
mg) by mouth, 2 times a day for 14 days.
For children and adults who have had syphilis for more than 2 years:
• give doxycycline, 4 mg for every kilo of body weight (to a maximum of 100
mg), by mouth, 2 times a day for 30 days.
WARNING: Pregnant women must not use doxycycline.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)