TORCH Syndrome
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TORCH Syndrome Overview

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Learn About TORCH Syndrome

What is the definition of TORCH Syndrome?

TORCH syndrome is an infection that occurs in a fetus or newborn that is caused by any of a group of infectious agents such as toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex. Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a parasitic organism, Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted to a fetus from an infected mother during pregnancy. Rubella and cytomegalovirus are viral infections. Neonatal herpes is a rare disorder affecting newborns infected with the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Infection with any of these agents may result in abnormalities in a developing fetus.

What are the symptoms of TORCH Syndrome?

Symptoms of TORCH syndrome are many and varied and may include difficulty feeding, lethargy, fever, small areas of bleeding under the skin (petechiae), enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes), low hemoglobin, anemia, hearing loss, eye abnormalities and inflammation (chorioretinitis), and other symptoms and conditions, depending on the type of infectious organism and stage of fetal development. An infection with a TORCH agent during pregnancy may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, delayed fetal growth (intrauterine growth retardation), and premature delivery. Infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy may result in an infant with an abnormally small head (microcephaly), calcium deposits in the brain, or other abnormalities. Infection with rubella is characterized by fever, upper respiratory infection, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and joint pain. Some newborns and infants may have visual impairment or hearing loss, heart defects, calcium deposits in the brain, or other abnormalities. A cytomegalovirus infection may cause growth retardation, abnormally small head (microcephaly), hemolytic anemia, calcium deposits in the brain, and/or other abnormalities. Infection with the Herpes simplex virus may cause fluid-filled blisters on the skin (cutaneous vesicles), mouth lesions, eyelid and eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), muscle weakness, hepatitis (liver inflammation), difficulty breathing, and/or other symptoms.

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What are the current treatments for TORCH Syndrome?

Treatment for TORCH syndrome depends on the cause of the infection, the stage of fetal development when the infection occurred, the severity of the infection, and any associated symptoms and/or abnormalities. Infants with toxoplasmosis infection may be treated with the combined drug, pyrimethamine with sulfadiazine, while a Herpes simplex infection may be treated with the antiviral drug, acyclovir. Treatment for newborns and infants with rubella or cytomegalovirus infection is determined by the symptoms and includes supportive care.

Who are the top TORCH Syndrome Local Doctors?

Elite in TORCH Syndrome

Tatjana Cavlek-Vilibic

Elite in TORCH Syndrome

Tatjana Cavlek-Vilibic

Zagreb, HR

Tatjana Cavlek-Vilibic practices practicing medicine in Zagreb, Croatia. Ms. Cavlek-Vilibic is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of TORCH Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses TORCH Syndrome, Encephalitis, West Nile Virus Infection, Liver Transplant, and Pancreas Transplant.

Experienced in TORCH Syndrome

Dr. Eric Teplitz

Cardiology

Experienced in TORCH Syndrome

Dr. Eric Teplitz

Cardiology

Advocate Heart Institute

12400 S Harlem Ave, Ste 112,

Palos Heights, IL

708-923-7650

Languages Spoken:

English

See accepted insurances

Eric Teplitz is a Cardiologist practicing medicine in Palos Heights, Illinois. Dr. Teplitz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of TORCH Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Coronary Heart Disease, Atherosclerosis, Angina, and Atrial Fibrillation. Dr. Teplitz is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease.

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Experienced in TORCH Syndrome

Dr. Richard Lee

Thoracic Surgery

Experienced in TORCH Syndrome

Dr. Richard Lee

Thoracic Surgery

Swedish Cardiac Surgery

1600 East Jefferson Street, Suite 110,

Seattle, WA

206-320-7300

Languages Spoken:

English, Korean

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Accepting New Patients

Offers Telehealth

Dr. Lee strives to help each patient understand their condition and works with them and their families to provide the best individualized care plan possible. Dr. Lee takes pride in ensuring each patient feels heard and understood, and is committed to being involved in every step of the healing process. Dr. Lee is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of TORCH Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Aortic Valve Stenosis, TORCH Syndrome, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Heart Valve Repair. Dr. Lee is board certified in American Board Of Surgery and American Board Of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Lee is currently accepting new patients.