Complications
Occurs within the first 24 hours after antibiotic therapy due to the rapid killing of treponemes.
Characterized by acute fever, headache, and myalgia, usually in patients with early syphilis.[8]
The likelihood of reaction is high in early syphilis but low in late syphilis. However, all patients should be advised of a possible reaction prior to receiving antibiotic treatment.
In pregnant women, Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction may cause fetal distress and premature labor.[8]
Treatment is supportive with oral fluids, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Corticosteroid therapy may be considered to minimize the risk of a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in nonpregnant patients with cardiovascular syphilis or neurosyphilis.[4] However, the evidence of effectiveness is unclear and it is not routinely recommended in the US.
May arise in patients not previously known to be allergic.
In patients with penicillin allergy, alternative treatment options may be offered, dependent on the stage of syphilis.
Penicillin allergy skin testing and desensitization may be required (e.g., in the treatment of pregnant women).
Penicillin-allergic responses may include urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.
Treatment of allergic reaction is determined by the severity of the reaction.
Occurs when intramuscular procaine penicillin G (e.g., used to treat neurosyphilis) is mistakenly administered intravenously.
Patients may develop penicillin allergic responses, including anaphylactic shock.[21]
Syphilis facilitates the acquisition of HIV.[15]
Organ-specific complications can occur in untreated infection of unknown duration.
Specialist opinion should be sought depending on the nature of the complication (e.g., ophthalmology specialist opinion for ocular infection, cardiovascular specialist opinion for aortic regurgitation).
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