Epidemiology of congenital syphilis in a South Bronx population: a follow-up study.

Despite widespread prenatal serological screening, the Centers for Disease Control recently reported that from 2005 to 2008, congenital syphilis increased by 23%, many being born to black women in the southern United States. We collected data on the epidemiology of this condition in our institution for the past 18 years (January 1, 1991-December 31, 2008). There has been a marked decrease in the incidence of active infection since the 1990s. Through the 18 years period reviewed, only 21 cases of active neonatal infection were documented among 699 babies who had a positive rapid plasma reagin test. Of these 21 cases, only one was symptomatic. As compared to previous studies, poor prenatal care has still the greatest correlation with active infection. This study might contribute towards the reinforcement of current programs and the formulation of newer strategies towards control and elimination of this condition.

Tracheal agenesis: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Isolated type III tracheal agenesis without associated congenital anomalies is very rare. Therefore, infants with this type of isolated defects are potential candidates for surgical correction. We present three cases of tracheal agenesis (Floyd's type III) with no other major abnormalities and reviewed the literature. We also discussed the previously attempted surgical procedures with the hope that in future, with advances in surgical reconstruction, there may be a better solution for this lethal anomaly.

Caudal regression syndrome versus sirenomelia: a case report.

We describe a newborn with clinical features of sirenomelia including fused lower limbs with medial position, absence of fibula, anal atresia, bilateral renal agenesis, and a single large umbilical artery. Recent literature describing the etiology of sirenomelia and relationship to caudal regression syndrome is reviewed.

Fetal thoracic measurements in prenatal diagnosis of Jeune syndrome.

We describe prenatal sonographic findings in a 34-week fetus with Jeune syndrome or asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD). The long bones measured were less than third percentile; the thoracic circumference (TC) measured 216 mm (< 2.5th percentile); the abdominal circumference (AC) measured 303.5 mm (50th-75th percentiles) and the rib cage perimeter (RCP) measured was 98 mm. The TC/AC was 0.70 (normal, 0.85) and the RCP/TC was 0.45 (normal, 0.68). Following birth diagnosis of Jeune syndrome was made based on radiographic analysis, which was subsequently confirmed by clinical and postmortem examination. This case highlights the utility of both TC/AC and RCP/TC in diagnosis of ATD and other skeletal dysplasias associated with a small thorax.