Congenital syphilis associated with hyperlipoproteinemia.

An infant with congenital syphilis associated with transient disturbances of lipoprotein metabolism is reported. The dominant clinical sign was hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory investigation upon admission revealed hyperimmunoglobulinemia and hyperchylomicronemia. After the administration of penicillin, the chylomicronemia ceased, but an increase of very low density lipoprotein fraction was observed. As the infant recovered, all the laboratory findings returned to normal. Hyperchylomicronemia was attributed to hyperimmunoglobulinemia. Absorption of immunoglobulins to lipoproteins can inhibit lipoprotein lipase activity. The increase in the very low density lipoprotein fraction was probably caused by the increase in serum lipoprotein production and the decrease in lipoprotein clearance that are frequently seen in patients with infectious diseases.