Description

A 34-week-old gestational baby boy, weighing 2104 g, was born with multiple organ dysfunction and a skin rash. During pregnancy, the mother had a reactive venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test (1:16) that didn't receive any treatment.

After birth, a target erythaematous maculopapular rash on the child's hands and soles (figures 1A, B and 2) was evident. He also had hepatosplenomegaly, pneumonitis, anaemia (haemoglobin 11.3 g/dL), thrombocytopaenia (29 000/µL), C reactive protein 28 mg/dL and …