Risk Factors for Treatment Non-completion Among Patients with Syphilis

Overview

Journal Ther Adv Infect Dis

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2024 Aug 2

PMID 39091981

Authors

Abigail Clarkson-During

Ellen Almirol

Dylan Eller

Aniruddha Hazra

Kimberly A Stanford

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: With recent increases in syphilis, there is growing interest in expanding screening; however, treatment rates have historically been low.

Objectives: This study examines demographic and clinical factors that may contribute to non-completion of syphilis treatment.

Design: This is a retrospective comparative cohort study of all patients with syphilis from January through November 2018 at an urban, tertiary care hospital.

Methods: Demographics and clinical information were extracted from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results: Of 171 patients with syphilis, 89 (52.0%) completed treatment. Patients ages 40-49 were least likely to complete treatment (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03-0.72, = 0.02) compared to those ages 18-24. Non-heterosexual patients were significantly more likely to complete treatment (OR 3.60; 95% CI 1.13-11.49, = 0.03) compared to heterosexual patients. Patients diagnosed in the emergency department completed treatment at the lowest rate.

Conclusion: A major gap in syphilis treatment still exists, which must be addressed to achieve optimal impact from syphilis screening programs.

Citing Articles

Expanding Horizons in Syphilis Treatment: Challenges, Advances, and Opportunities for Alternative Antibiotics.

Villarreal D, Babalola C Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2025; 22(1):22.

PMID: 40074945 PMC: 11903563. DOI: 10.1007/s11904-025-00725-4.

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