Du Bois sign

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Du Bois sign
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Skin rash, scarring
Complications	Congenital syphilis
Onset	Infancy
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Congenital syphilis
Risks	Untreated syphilis during pregnancy
Diagnosis	Physical examination, medical history
Differential diagnosis	Other skin conditions
Prevention	Prenatal care, syphilis screening
Treatment	Antibiotics, penicillin
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

== Du Bois Sign ==

The Du Bois sign is a clinical indicator associated with congenital syphilis, a condition caused by the transmission of the Treponema pallidum bacterium from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy. This sign is named after the physician who first described it.

Clinical Presentation

The Du Bois sign is characterized by specific changes in the teeth and bones of affected individuals. It is one of several stigmata of congenital syphilis, which can include a range of dental and skeletal abnormalities. The sign is often observed in conjunction with other features such as Hutchinson's teeth, saddle nose, and saber shins.

Dental Abnormalities

In the context of congenital syphilis, dental abnormalities are a hallmark feature. The Du Bois sign may manifest as notched or peg-shaped incisors, which are indicative of the disruption in enamel formation during tooth development. These dental changes are often accompanied by other dental anomalies such as mulberry molars.

Skeletal Abnormalities

Skeletal manifestations of the Du Bois sign include changes in the long bones, such as thickening or bowing, which are a result of the inflammatory processes affecting the periosteum and bone growth. These changes can lead to characteristic deformities that are often used in the diagnosis of congenital syphilis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of congenital syphilis, and by extension the identification of the Du Bois sign, involves a combination of clinical examination, serological testing, and radiographic imaging. The presence of the Du Bois sign, along with other clinical features, can aid in the early detection and treatment of the disease.

Treatment

The primary treatment for congenital syphilis is penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of further complications. Dental and orthopedic interventions may also be necessary to address the structural abnormalities associated with the Du Bois sign.

See Also

• Congenital syphilis
• Hutchinson's teeth
• Treponema pallidum
• Penicillin