98 Op. cit., Am. ed., p. 370.
99 It does not differ essentially, either pathologically or clinically, from the same lesion in adults.
Rochebonne100 describes the following symptoms of syphilitic hepatitis in infants: A deep wine-colored venous stain and oedema of the lower extremities, often accompanied by pemphigus; ascites due to mechanical obstruction of the circulation, as in cirrhosis; a more or less pronounced chloro-anæmic appearance of the face; and the presence in the urine of albumen and hæmato-globulin. Vomiting may occur, and constipation alternating with diarrhoea has been observed. Icterus, symptomatic of the affection, has not been observed.
100 Quoted by Bumstead and Taylor, p. 758.
Bäumler says:101 Implication of the peritoneal coating of the liver may be recognized by the pain in the hepatic region. In new-born children—unless, possibly, there may be some enlargement of the liver—the only local symptoms, often, are those due to peritonitis—screaming, drawing up of the legs, vomiting. In those cases it is not rare for the peritonitis to become diffuse.102
101 Op. cit., p. 194.
102 In an article on "Inherited Syphilis" in the British and For. Medico-Chirurgical Review, 1875, p. 28, it is said: "Of the liver the lesion consists in enlargement and induration of the organ in whole or in part, due to the development of fibro-plastic material between the cells of the acini, with obliteration of the vessels and interference with the secretion of bile. This condition is generally doubtful during uterine life, and is rapidly fatal. The symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, and tympanitis, but, strange to say, no jaundice. The enlarged and indurated organ may be felt by palpation. It is probably in this connection that the peritonitis described by Simpson as occurring in inherited syphilis is found."
Hill says:103 "The symptoms are mainly those of functional derangement of the organ, with alteration of its bulk."
103 Op. cit., p. 163.
Hutchinson104 has described cases in which in young persons the subjects of hereditary syphilis there has been great hepatic enlargement which has subsequently wholly disappeared. He finds it difficult to believe that there is any kind of gummous growth in such cases, and feels obliged rather to fall back upon the hypothesis of mere vascular turgescence. In one such case the liver occasionally was so large as to be visible as the patient lay on his back in bed.105