Work

Incidence of syphilitic hepatitis among patients with neurosyphilis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection of ongoing public health concern due to its systemic complications, which necessitate early detection and management. As a non-hepatotropic pathogen, syphilis can also cause unexplained hepatitis, a condition that is often overlooked. A retrospective review of 62 patients with neurosyphilis at a metropolitan Australian hospital found that nine (15%) had abnormal liver biochemistry, which improved with antibiotic therapy, consistent with syphilitic hepatitis. This improvement was statistically significant across all liver markers, and the liver pattern of injury was predominantly cholestatic (67%). This study aims to alert clinicians to the incidence and patterns of liver biochemistry abnormalities in syphilis and advise clinicians to perform liver function testing in all patients with neurosyphilis, particularly in high-risk groups. Early detection and diagnosis can prevent unnecessary tests, enable prompt treatment and avoid progression to fulminant hepatitis.

Source: Internal Medicine Journal

DOI: 10.1111/imj.70197

Authors: Jessica Sun, Louis Wang, Christopher Pokorny

Institutions: Sydney Hospital, UNSW Sydney, Prince of Wales Hospital, The University of Notre Dame Australia

Language: English

Topic: Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,570