Why VDRL test is done in Pregnancy?

Описание: #vdrl #syphilis #pregnancy
Why VDRL test is done in Pregnancy?
To detect the presence of sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, which could have detrimental effects on the fetus. Pregnancies in women with syphilis often ends in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, death of the new born within 7 days or the child being born with Congenital Syphilis. Neurological damage with mental retardation is common in congenital Syphilis.

So it can be prevented and find out if the pregnant woman is having syphilis, the test used is called as,
VDRL Test
VDRL stands for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory .
VDRL test is a screening test commonly done during the first visit in pregnancy, by taking a blood sample from the vein and it tests the presence of antibodies to Treponema Pallidum, a bacteria which causes Syphilis.

Pregnant Woman who tests Positive for VDRL Test, means there is presence of antibodies to treponema Pallidum. But this test also give positive report in the following conditions, which are called False Positives

▶️ IV Drug Abuse
▶️ HIV
▶️ Lyme Disease
▶️ Pneumonias
▶️ Malaria
▶️ Tuberculosis
▶️ Lupus

So confirmatory testing is done with Treponemal Tests, like
FTA-ABS (Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption)
MHA-TP(T. pallidum microhemagglutination assay)

Husband’s blood should also be tested.


Does Syphilis transmit from Mother to fetus ?
Yes . Syphilis is transmitted from mother to child.

If the Pregnant woman is having syphilis, the infection is not passed on, before the 4 month of pregnancy. It is most likely to occur after the 6th month of pregnancy.

Therefore ideally, the VDRL test should be performed twice in pregnancy. One in the beginning and one late in pregnancy.

Infection of the fetus is most likely to to occur when the mother is having primary and secondary stages of syphilis, rather than late syphilis.

How to know, if the infection has passed on to the fetus or not ?
By Polymerase chain reaction of Treponema Pallidum in amniotic fluid.

Treatment of syphilis
Mother : Treatment is started as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed with Benzathine Penicillin

Baby: Positive VDRL with or without clinical evidence of infection is treated with Penicillin G.

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** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **