Neurosyphilis in newly admitted psychiatric patients: three case reports |
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Authors: | Saik Susan Kraus John E McDonald Alex Mann Scott G Sheitman Brian B |
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Affiliation: | Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. susan.saik@ncmail.net |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Neurosyphilis, also known as "general paresis of the insane," at one time accounted for a large portion of admissions to state psychiatric facilities. With the introduction of antibiotics, neurosyphilis is now considered very rare. METHOD: Chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with neurosyphilis who were admitted to a state psychiatric hospital in Raleigh, N.C., during 2002. RESULTS: We identified 3 cases of confirmed neurosyphilis, representing 0.1% of adult admissions, diagnosed in newly admitted psychiatric patients. None of the patients were immunocompromised. Response to antibiotic treatment was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increase in primary and secondary syphilis reported in the 1980s and early 1990s, routine screening of psychiatric patients for the presence of syphilis should be considered. |
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