Mortality patterns among persons with antecedent syphilis infection

Background and objectives: Few studies have examined the patterns of death among persons with a history of syphilis in fection. Goals of this study: This analysis examines the cause-spe cific mortality patterns among a cohort of persons diagnosed with syphilis. Study design: Individuals diagnosed with serologically con firmed syphilis in New York State (excluding New York City) between 1972 and 1987 were matched to the New York State mortality files to identify the deaths among members of the cohort. Results: The overall observed mortality between 1973 and 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 observed in the 25- to 34-year-old age group (SMR = 2.32; 1.87–2.85). Among men, excesses were noted for deaths due to AIDS-related causes. Among both genders, excess deaths were observed for possible alcohol-related causes. Conclusion: The unique mortality patterns of this cohort suggest the need for increased identification of and interven tions directed toward high-risk behavior of individuals diag nosed with syphilis.