1
|
Shields MK, Furtado JM, Lake SR, Smith JR. Syphilitic scleritis and episcleritis: A review. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2024; 13:100073. [PMID: 38795870 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjo.2024.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Scleritis and episcleritis are rare, but potentially sight-threatening forms of syphilis. To provide a full description of this neglected subset of ocular syphilis, we evaluated the English literature for reports of syphilitic scleritis and episcleritis, recording the demographics, clinical characteristics, serological data, management practices, treatment responses, and visual outcomes. Previously published descriptions of 44 patients with syphilitic scleritis (50 eyes) and 9 patients with syphilitic episcleritis (14 eyes) were identified. The predominant type of scleritis was anterior scleritis, accounting for 92.9% of cases, with nodular anterior scleritis being the most frequent subtype at 58.1%. Almost one-quarter of patients were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initial misdiagnosis was common and led to delays in initiating treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Visual outcomes were often good in both scleritis and episcleritis, irrespective of HIV infection status, although complications including scleral thinning, keratitis, and uveitis, along with permanent visual loss and an association with neurosyphilis, were reported. Response to antibiotic treatment was typically rapid, often within 1 week. With the rising global incidence of syphilis, testing patients with scleritis or episcleritis for this infectious disease is important to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for best ocular and systemic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Shields
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - João M Furtado
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stewart R Lake
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Justine R Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hamill MM, Ghanem KG, Tuddenham S. State-of-the-Art Review: Neurosyphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:e57-e68. [PMID: 37593890 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We review key concepts in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals with neurosyphilis. We describe the epidemiology of syphilis in the United States, highlight populations that are markedly affected by this infection, and attempt to estimate the burden of neurosyphilis. We describe the cardinal clinical features of early and late (tertiary) neurosyphilis and characterize the clinical significance of asymptomatic neurosyphilis in the antibiotic era. We review the indications for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination and the performance characteristics of different CSF assays including treponemal and lipoidal antibodies, white cell count, and protein concentration. Future biomarkers and the role of imaging are briefly considered. We review preferred and alternative treatments for neurosyphilis and evidence for their use, including evidence for the use of enhanced intramuscular benzathine penicillin G to supplement intravenous penicillin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Hamill
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Tuddenham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Papp JR, Park IU, Fakile Y, Pereira L, Pillay A, Bolan GA. CDC Laboratory Recommendations for Syphilis Testing, United States, 2024. MMWR Recomm Rep 2024; 73:1-32. [PMID: 38319847 PMCID: PMC10849099 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7301a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This report provides new CDC recommendations for tests that can support a diagnosis of syphilis, including serologic testing and methods for the identification of the causative agent Treponema pallidum. These comprehensive recommendations are the first published by CDC on laboratory testing for syphilis, which has traditionally been based on serologic algorithms to detect a humoral immune response to T. pallidum. These tests can be divided into nontreponemal and treponemal tests depending on whether they detect antibodies that are broadly reactive to lipoidal antigens shared by both host and T. pallidum or antibodies specific to T. pallidum, respectively. Both types of tests must be used in conjunction to help distinguish between an untreated infection or a past infection that has been successfully treated. Newer serologic tests allow for laboratory automation but must be used in an algorithm, which also can involve older manual serologic tests. Direct detection of T. pallidum continues to evolve from microscopic examination of material from lesions for visualization of T. pallidum to molecular detection of the organism. Limited point-of-care tests for syphilis are available in the United States; increased availability of point-of-care tests that are sensitive and specific could facilitate expansion of screening programs and reduce the time from test result to treatment. These recommendations are intended for use by clinical laboratory directors, laboratory staff, clinicians, and disease control personnel who must choose among the multiple available testing methods, establish standard operating procedures for collecting and processing specimens, interpret test results for laboratory reporting, and counsel and treat patients. Future revisions to these recommendations will be based on new research or technologic advancements for syphilis clinical laboratory science.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun CB, Liu GH, Wu R, Liu Z. Demographic, Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Ocular Syphilis: 6-Years Case Series Study From an Eye Center in East-China. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910337. [PMID: 35757732 PMCID: PMC9226556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of ocular syphilis based on a 6-year case series study from an eye center in East-China. Methods A total of 131 cases (191 eyes) of ocular syphilis and the annual number of total syphilis cases from January 2016 to December 2021, were included in this study. Detailed medical records including systemic and ophthalmic medical history, a complete ophthalmic examination, color fundus photography, B-type ultrasound, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), laboratory tests of the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, as well as visual field test and orbital or cranial MRI in cases with suspected optic neuritis or optic atrophy, were collected and analyzed. Pearson Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests was used for statistics analysis. Results Of the 131 cases with ocular syphilis, 86 cases were in men and 6 cases had a past medical history or systemic manifestation of syphilis. HIV was found in only 2 of 70 cases undergoing serum HIV test. The average age was 54.0 years, ranging from 26–85 years. The average percentage of ocular syphilis out from the total syphilis cases was 5.1%, the average titer of serum rapid plasma regain (RPR) at presentation was 1:32, ranging from 1:1–1:512. The most predominant manifestation of ocular syphilis was posterior uveitis, followed by optic neuritis, optic atrophy, panuveitis, retinal vasculitis, and retinitis. The median of BCVA of all 191 eyes was 20/200 (ranging from no light perception to 20/20), and 20/40 (ranging from no light perception to 20/20) at presentation and final follow-up, respectively. Ocular syphilis with active inflammation responded well to penicillin therapy, no matter the initial visual acuity, ocular disease type, or RPR titers, as long as it was diagnosed early and treated properly and promptly. However, cases with optic atrophy, acute retinal necrosis, late diagnosis, permanent disruption, or loss of outer segment of photoreceptors of macular retina on SD-OCT showed poor visual improvement after therapy. Conclusions Early diagnosis of ocular syphilis is still challenging in clinical practice and syphilis tests should be routinely performed in patients with uveitis, retinitis, optic neuritis, and optic atrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Bin Sun
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Geng-Hao Liu
- Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Custom Service Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Godoy-Mancilla J, Oyarzun-Barrientos C, Marín-Cornuy M, Carrasco-Sanhueza E, Águila-Torres P. Bacterial eye infections associated with sexual transmission infections: A review. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2022; 97:17-27. [PMID: 35027140 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to collect updated information on Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, causing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and etiological agents of eye infections, to provide relevant information on this public health problem. For this, a bibliographic review was carried out using different electronic databases such as: PubMed central, google academic, Lilacs, Scopus, Science Direct and Scielo, between March 2009 and August 2019. According to the WHO, more than a million people a day contract a sexually transmitted infection. For T. pallidum, a global prevalence of 0.5% is estimated for both men and women. It is a causative agent of syphilis and ocular syphilis, which manifests as uveitis. Overall, a prevalence of 2.8% in men and 3.8% in women for C. trachomatis is estimated. It is associated with oculo-genital disease, which includes STIs, inclusion conjunctivitis in adults and neonatal ophthalmia. Among its complications is trachoma, which is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Regarding N. gonorrhoeae, it has a global selection of 0.9% and 0.7% in women and men, respectively. It manifests with gonococcal conjunctivitis and neonatal ophthalmia. We can conclude that the information that relates T. pallidum, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae with their ocular compromise problems is insufficient, and even more so if we seek to find them related to each other, which makes it difficult to access data of clinical utility for visual health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Godoy-Mancilla
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - C Oyarzun-Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - M Marín-Cornuy
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - E Carrasco-Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - P Águila-Torres
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Furtado JM, Simões M, Vasconcelos-Santos D, Oliver GF, Tyagi M, Nascimento H, Gordon DL, Smith JR. Ocular syphilis. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 67:440-462. [PMID: 34147542 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies around the world suggest that syphilis is re-emerging. Ocular syphilis - with a wide range of presentations, most of which are subtypes of uveitis - has become an increasingly common cause of ocular inflammation over the past 20 years. Its rising incidence, diagnostic complexity, and manifestations that have only recently been characterized make ocular syphilis relevant from the public health, clinical, and scientific perspectives. We review the demographics, epidemiology, clinical features, ocular imaging findings, diagnosis, and medical management of this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João M Furtado
- Divisão de Oftalmologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Milena Simões
- Divisão de Oftalmologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Vasconcelos-Santos
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Genevieve F Oliver
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Ocular Inflammation and Immunology Services, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Heloisa Nascimento
- Departamento de Oftalmologia e Ciências Visuais, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto Paulista de Estudos e Pesquisas em Oftalmologia-IPEPO, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David L Gordon
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; SA Pathology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia
| | - Justine R Smith
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tuddenham S, Katz SS, Ghanem KG. Syphilis Laboratory Guidelines: Performance Characteristics of Nontreponemal Antibody Tests. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:S21-S42. [PMID: 32578862 PMCID: PMC7312285 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed the relevant syphilis diagnostic literature to address the following question: what are the performance characteristics, stratified by the stage of syphilis, for nontreponemal serologic tests? The database search included key terms related to syphilis and nontreponemal tests from 1960–2017, and for data related to the venereal disease research laboratory test from 1940–1960. Based on this review, we report the sensitivity and specificity for each stage of syphilis (primary, secondary, early latent, late latent, or unknown duration; tertiary as well as neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, and otic syphilis). We also report on reactive nontreponemal tests in conditions other than syphilis, false negatives, and automated nontreponemal tests. Overall, many studies were limited by their sample size, lack of clearly documented clinical staging, and lack of well-defined gold standards. There is a need to better define the performance characteristics of nontreponemal tests, particularly in the late stages of syphilis, with clinically well-characterized samples. Published data are needed on automated nontreponemal tests. Evidence-based guidelines are needed for optimal prozone titrations. Finally, improved criteria and diagnostics for neurosyphilis (as well as ocular and otic syphilis) are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tuddenham
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samantha S Katz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kératites interstitielles : prise en charge diagnostique et thérapeutiques. J Fr Ophtalmol 2020; 43:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
9
|
Vadboncoeur J, Labbé AC, Fortin C, Serhir B, Rabia Y, Najem K, Jaworski L, Aubin MJ. Ocular syphilis: case series (2000-2015) from 2 tertiary care centres in Montreal, Canada. Can J Ophthalmol 2019; 55:30-37. [PMID: 31712031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the demographics, clinical presentation, proportion of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and treatment of patients with ocular syphilis seen at the ophthalmology department of 2 tertiary centres in Montreal, Canada. DESIGN Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A total of 169 eyes of 115 patients, seen between 2000 and 2015, with a positive syphilis treponemal serology and a likely syphilis-related ophthalmologic diagnosis. Subgroup analysis was performed between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients. RESULTS Mean age of onset was 55 years, and 79% were male. Mean presenting logMAR visual acuity was 0.7. HIV status was available for 66%, of whom 49% were HIV-infected. The anatomical ocular diagnoses included isolated anterior uveitis (18%) and posterior segment involvement (42%). Both eyes were affected in 47%. Lumbar puncture (LP) was performed in 55%, of whom 22% had a positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. Antibiotherapy, consisting of intravenous penicillin alone or in addition to intramuscular benzathine penicillin, was administered in 65 patients (69%). Treatment allowed a visual improvement of -0.23 logMAR. HIV-infected patients were younger men (p < 0.01) and had more abnormal CSF analysis (p = 0.02), but there were no statistically significant differences in the anatomical location of ocular inflammation or visual function improvement. CONCLUSIONS Given its varied presentations, syphilis must always be part of the differential diagnosis of intraocular inflammation. HIV testing and an LP are required in the evaluation of ocular syphilis, which should be treated as neurosyphilis with the appropriate regimen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie-Claude Labbé
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR), CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Que.; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Que
| | - Claude Fortin
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Que.; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Que
| | - Bouchra Serhir
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que
| | - Yasmine Rabia
- Ophthalmology Resident, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Que
| | - Kinda Najem
- Department of Ophthalmology, CUO-HMR, CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Que
| | | | - Marie-Josée Aubin
- Department of Ophthalmology, CUO-HMR, CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Que.; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Que
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gauthier AS, Noureddine S, Delbosc B. Interstitial keratitis diagnosis and treatment. J Fr Ophtalmol 2019; 42:e229-e237. [PMID: 31103357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial keratitis is a non-ulcerative, non-suppurative, more or less vascularized inflammation of the corneal stroma. The corneal lesions result from the host response to bacterial, viral (40% of cases) or parasitic antigens, or from an autoimmune response (1% of cases) without active corneal infection. The natural history of the disease is divided into two phases: acute and cicatricial. This type of keratitis is less common than ulcerative bacterial keratitis, but it is a non-negligible cause of visual loss. It is associated with systemic or infectious disease and requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to optimize visual prognosis and avoid other complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-S Gauthier
- Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Jean-Minjoz, 2, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France.
| | - S Noureddine
- Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Jean-Minjoz, 2, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - B Delbosc
- Service d'ophtalmologie, CHU Jean-Minjoz, 2, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France; Faculté de médecine et de pharmacie, 20, rue Ambroise-Paré, 25000 Besançon, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ghanimi Zamli AK, Irma Ngah NS, Chew-Ean T, Muhammed J, Wan Hitam WH, Hussein A, Zunaina E. Clinical Profile and Visual Outcomes of Ocular Syphilis: A Five-year Review in Hospital Universiti Sains, Malaysia. Cureus 2019; 11:e4015. [PMID: 31007973 PMCID: PMC6453624 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ocular syphilis is a sight-threatening condition. It can occur at any stage of syphilis infection, which present either with acute inflammation during the primary, secondary, and early latent stages or with chronic inflammation during tertiary infection, affecting virtually every ocular structure. This study was to report on the clinical presentation of ocular syphilis that presented to eye clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methodology This was a retrospective study where medical records of ocular syphilis patients who attended eye clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January 2013 to June 2017 were reviewed. Results A total of 10 patients (13 eyes) with ocular syphilis were identified out of 106 cases that presented with ocular inflammation. The mean age of presentation was 69.8 ± 6.4 years and seven of them (70%) were female. All patients were Malay and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was negative. The ocular manifestations included panuveitis (four eyes, 30.8%), anterior uveitis (two eyes, 15.4%), posterior uveitis (seven eyes, 53.8%) and optic neuritis (two eyes, 15.4%). Seven (53.8%) eyes presented with visual acuity of worse than 6/60, five (38.5%) eyes had visual acuity between 6/15 to 6/60, and one (7.7%) eye had visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Nine patients received an intravenous benzylpenicillin regime and one patient received an intramuscular penicillin injection. Out of 13 eyes affected, 11 (84.6%) eyes had improved visual acuity of at least one Snellen line after treatment. Visual acuity of 6/12 or better increased to four (30.8%) eyes. Conclusions Posterior uveitis was the commonest presentation of ocular syphilis in HIV-negative patients. Early detection and treatment of ocular syphilis can result in resolution of inflammation and improvement of vision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tan Chew-Ean
- Ophthalmology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| | | | | | - Adil Hussein
- Ophthalmology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| | - Embong Zunaina
- Ophthalmology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, MYS
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oliver GF, Stathis RM, Furtado JM, Arantes TE, McCluskey PJ, Matthews JM, Smith JR. Current ophthalmology practice patterns for syphilitic uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:1645-1649. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundSyphilitic uveitis is re-emerging alongside the systemic infection. In July 2017, an international group of uveitis-specialised ophthalmologists formed the International Ocular Syphilis Study Group to define current practice patterns.Methods103 Study Group members based in 35 countries completed a 25-item questionnaire focused on case load, clinical presentations, use and interpretation of investigations, treatment and clinical indicators of poor prognosis.ResultsMembers managed a mean of 6.1 patients with syphilitic uveitis in clinics that averaged 707 annual cases of uveitis (0.9%); 53.2% reported increasing numbers over the past decade. Patients presented to more members (40.2%) during secondary syphilis. Uveitis was usually posterior (60.8%) or pan (22.5%); complications included optic neuropathy, macular oedema and posterior synechiae. All members diagnosed syphilitic uveitis using serological tests (simultaneous or sequential testing algorithms), and 97.0% routinely checked for HIV co-infection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was ordered by 90.2% of members, and 92.7% took uveitis plus Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL) or fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS) to indicate neurosyphilis. Patients were commonly co-managed with infectious disease physicians, and treated with penicillin for at least 10–14 days, plus corticosteroid. Features predicting poor outcome included optic neuropathy (86.3%) and initial misdiagnosis (63.7%). Reasons for delayed diagnosis were often practitioner-related. 82.5% of members tested every patient they managed with uveitis for syphilis.ConclusionThis comprehensive report by an international group of uveitis-specialised ophthalmologists provides a current approach for the management of syphilitic uveitis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Clinical Manifestations and Ophthalmic Outcomes of Ocular Syphilis at a Time of Re-Emergence of the Systemic Infection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12071. [PMID: 30104765 PMCID: PMC6089995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports from different world regions suggest ocular syphilis is re-emerging, in parallel with an increasing incidence of the systemic infection globally. We conducted a large observational study of 127 persons consecutively treated for ocular syphilis at public medical centers in Brazil over a 2.5-year period ending July 2015. Of 104 individuals serologically tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 34.6% were positive. Ophthalmological evaluations included measurement of Snellen visual acuity and intraocular pressure, and assessment of inflammation by slit lamp examination and dilated posterior eye examination. Involvements in 214 eyes were anterior (6.1%), intermediate (8.4%), posterior (76.2%) and pan- (8.4%) uveitis, and scleritis (0.9%). Multiple anterior and posterior eye complications were observed, including cataract in the anterior eye (incidence rate, 0.18/eye-year) and epiretinal membrane in the posterior eye (incidence rate, 0.09/eye-year); incidence rates of reduction in best-corrected visual acuity to ≤20/50 and ≤20/200 were 0.10 and 0.06/eye-year, respectively. Rates of complications and visual acuity loss did not differ significantly between HIV- positive and negative individuals. In an era of re-emergence, syphilis has ocular complications that may compromise vision, despite treatment with appropriate anti-microbial drugs.
Collapse
|