Final answer:
On the NBME, snuffles in a newborn is indeed indicative of syphilis until proven otherwise. This is due to the condition's serious implications, as congenital syphilis can lead to severe outcomes. Diagnosis involves blood tests detecting antibodies against the syphilis bacterium, and penicillin is the treatment of choice for infected pregnant women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'On the NBME, snuffles in a newborn is syphilis until proven otherwise.' is generally considered true. Snuffles, which involves a bloody nasal discharge, is a classic symptom of congenital syphilis, an infection passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
Given the serious health risks associated with congenital syphilis, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and long-term complications including neurosyphilis and cardiovascular issues, it is crucial for infants who present symptoms like snuffles to be evaluated for syphilis.
Syphilis is typically diagnosed using blood tests that look for antibodies specific to the Treponema pallidum bacterium.
Pregnant women are screened for syphilis during the first trimester as part of the TORCH panel of prenatal tests, with additional testing in the third trimester and at delivery for those at high risk.
If diagnosed, penicillin is prescribed due to its high success rate in preventing mother-to-fetus transmission of the infection, with desensitization processes available for those allergic to the antibiotic.