Cognitive impairment in syphilis: Does treatment based on cerebrospinal fluid analysis improve outcome?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Individuals with previous syphilis may experience cognitive impairment. The goal of this study was to determine if those at high risk for laboratory-defined neurosyphilis are cognitively impaired, and whether treatment based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings results in better outcomes.

Methods

Participants had a new syphilis diagnosis, serum RPR titer ≥ 1:32 or peripheral blood CD4+ T cells ≤ 350/ul (in persons living with HIV) and did not endorse neurological symptoms. They underwent computerized cognitive assessment with the CogState. Thirty-two were randomized to either undergo lumbar puncture (LP) or to not undergo LP and 14 underwent LP; 64 were not randomized and 48 opted to undergo LP.

Results

Demographics, cognitive complaints and cognitive impa

SUBMITTER: Davis AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8277035 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature