Serologic Prevalence of Syphilis in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Lanamtieng T, MD1,2, Kasemsap N, MD1,2, Meesing A, MD1,3
Affiliation : 1 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 North-eastern Stroke Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Sleep Apnea Research Group, Research Center in Back and Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working Age People, and Research and Diagnosis Center of Emerging Infectious Diseases (RCEID), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Syphilis is a sexual-transmitted infectious disease that can cause stoke in elderly, called neurosyphilis.
Objective : The authors determined the serologic prevalence of syphilis and associated factors in acute ischemic stroke (AIS)
patients.
Materials and Methods : A prospective cross-sectional study was performed during 1 September 2015 to 31 January 2017. A total
466 patients who admitted in stroke unit of Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, were included. Syphilis
serologic test (VDRL and TPHA) were tested. Data regarding, age, gender, severity (NIHS score), stroke classification (TOAST) were
collected to assess factors influencing seropositive patients. Seropositive patients were defined as the patients who had positive
test for VDRL and/or TPHA.
Results : Of 466 AIS patients tested. The serologic prevalence of syphilis in AIS patients was 12.6%. Median age was 75.2 years (IQR
70.3 to 84.2) in seropositive patients, compare to seronegative patients which had 63.7 years (IQR: 54.9 to 74.0, p<0.01]. Other
associated factors, such as gender, severity (NIHS score), and TOAST could not show statistically significant.
Conclusion : Syphilis in AIS patients in Khon Kean was modest, therefore, clinician should perform syphilis serologic test in elderly
AIS patients.
Keywords : Syphilis, Neurosyphilis, Ischemic stroke, Cerebrovascular accident
