Insights into ocular syphilis in Nepal.
Int J STD AIDS
; 35(7): 527-534, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38426703
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
This study aims to elucidate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and medical management of patients with ocular syphilis, known as 'the great masquerader,' at a tertiary eye care center in Nepal.METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective review involving 15 eyes from ten patients with ocular syphilis treated at a uveitis referral center between 2020 and 2022. Lumbar puncture was performed if neurosyphilis was suspected. Treatment success was defined as the absence of ocular inflammation in both eyes and a decrease in Veneral disease research laboratory (VDRL) titres after completing therapy.RESULTS:
A total of 15 eyes of 10 patients were diagnosed with syphilitic uveitis based on positive treponemal and non-treponemal serological tests. The mean age of the patient was 39.9 years (range 22-54 years) with an equal distribution between males and females. HIV coinfection was not found in any of the patients. Syphilitic uveitis was the primary presentation in nine patients (90%), while one patient presented with recurrent nodular scleritis. Ocular involvement was bilateral in 50% (5 patients). The mean duration between the initial symptom and the first presentation was 8.7 weeks (range 4 days to 24 weeks). The most common ocular findings was panuveitis (6 eyes). Eight patients with early syphilis received weekly intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin G for 3 weeks whereas 2 patients with neurosyphilis were treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 1 gm twice a day for 14 days. Signs and symptoms of majority of patients improved with systemic therapy for syphilis.CONCLUSIONS:
Syphilitic uveitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of any form of ocular inflammation.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Uveíte
/
Sífilis
/
Infecções Oculares Bacterianas
/
Antibacterianos
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article