TORCH syndrome
TORCH Syndrome
TORCH Syndrome (pronounced: /tɔːrtʃ/), also known as TORCH Complex, is a medical term used for a group of infectious diseases that can cause serious illness in newborns. The acronym "TORCH" stands for the five different types of infections that the syndrome can include: Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Etymology
The term "TORCH Syndrome" was first used in medical literature in the 1970s. The acronym "TORCH" is derived from the initial letters of the five types of infections that the syndrome can include.
Related Terms
- Congenital Infection: An infection that a baby gets while still in the womb. TORCH Syndrome is a type of congenital infection.
- Neonatal Infection: An infection that a baby gets during the first four weeks of life. Some cases of TORCH Syndrome are classified as neonatal infections.
- Perinatal Infection: An infection that a baby gets just before or just after birth. TORCH Syndrome can be a perinatal infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TORCH Syndrome can vary widely, depending on the specific infection(s) involved. However, common symptoms can include jaundice, rash, fever, enlarged liver and spleen, and low birth weight. In severe cases, TORCH Syndrome can cause brain damage, hearing loss, vision problems, and mental retardation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of TORCH Syndrome typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These tests can include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies.
Treatment
Treatment for TORCH Syndrome depends on the specific infection(s) involved. It can include antibiotics, antiviral medications, and supportive care.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on TORCH syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - TORCH syndrome
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