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Neurological Sciences

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04-01-2024 | Neurosyphilis | Original Article

Enhancing clinical awareness: retrospective analysis of neurosyphilis cases and diagnostic predictors for early recognition and treatment

Authors: Ying-Shu Gao, Qing Li, Heng Zhou, Zai-Qiang Zhang, Hua Feng, Gai-Fen Liu, Yuan Shen

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 6/2024

Abstract

Objective

This is a retrospective analysis of clinical data from individuals diagnosed with neurosyphilis, aiming to enhance healthcare professionals’ understanding of the disease and expedite early diagnosis and intervention.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical records of 50 patients who received a diagnosis of symptomatic neurosyphilis and were admitted to the Neurology Department during the period spanning January 2012 to December 2022.

Results

Clinical manifestations encompassed diverse phenotypes, with syphilitic meningitis accounting for 16% of cases, characterized by symptoms such as headache, blepharoptosis, paralysis, blurred vision, and tinnitus. Meningovascular syphilis presented in 36% of cases, exhibiting episodic loss of consciousness, limb numbness, and limb convulsion. Paralytic dementia manifested in 36% of cases, featuring symptoms such as memory loss, sluggish response, and slow movement. Tabes dorsalis was observed in 12% of cases, presenting with weakness, numbness, and staggering. Routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated abnormal white blood cell counts in 60% of patients, while biochemical testing revealed abnormal protein content in 52% of patients. Notably, statistically significant differences were observed between patients with interstitial and parenchymatous neurosyphilis (Z = 2.023, P = 0.044) in terms of CSF protein content. Electroencephalogram (EEG) results were abnormal in six patients, and imaging studies unveiled diverse findings in 46 patients.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of neurological and/or ocular symptoms in diagnosing symptomatic neurosyphilis. Individuals with hypomnesia should be closely monitored for potential neurosyphilis. Integrating clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, EEG, and imaging can reduce misdiagnosis. This comprehensive approach shows promise in improving early identification and management of neurosyphilis.

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Title: Enhancing clinical awareness: retrospective analysis of neurosyphilis cases and diagnostic predictors for early recognition and treatment
Authors: Ying-Shu Gao
Qing Li
Heng Zhou
Zai-Qiang Zhang
Hua Feng
Gai-Fen Liu
Yuan Shen
Publication date: 04-01-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Neurosyphilis
Syphilis
Dementia
Dementia
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 6/2024
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-07285-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Enhancing clinical awareness: retrospective analysis of neurosyphilis cases and diagnostic predictors for early recognition and treatment

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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