Neurosyphilis in newly admitted psychiatric patients: three case reports.
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.


METHODS
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.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. susan.saik@ncmail.net
Susan
S
Saik
John E
JE
Kraus
Alex
A
McDonald
Scott G
SG
Mann
Brian B
BB
Sheitman
D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D016743:Mental Competency; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D013129:Spinal Puncture