MORTALITY PATTERNS AMONG PERSONS WITH ANTECEDENT SYPHILIS INFECTION

Background and objectives: Few studies have examined the patterns of d eath among persons with a history of syphilis infection. Goals of this study: 'This analysis examines the cause-specific mortality patterns among a cohort of persons diagnosed with syphilis. Study, design: Indi viduals diagnosed with serologically confirmed syphilis in New York St ate (excluding New York City) between 1972 and 1987 were matched to th e New York State mortality files to identify the deaths among members of the cohort. Results: The overall observed mortality between 1973 an d 1987 was generally comparable to the expected number among both men (SMR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.87-1.02) and women (SMR = 0.88; 0.78-0.99). An excess of deaths due to all causes was observed among men between the ages of 25 and 54 (SMR 1.74; 1.53-1.97), with the largest excess obse rved in the 25- to 34-year-old age group (SMR = 2.32; 1.87-2.85). Amon g men, excesses were noted for deaths due to AIDS-related causes. Amon g both genders, excess deaths were observed for possible alcohol-relat ed causes. Conclusion: The unique mortality patterns of this cohort su ggest the need for increased identification of and interventions direc ted toward high-risk behavior of individuals diagnosed with syphilis.