Article
Allergy
Juliana Foes Bianchini Garcia, Marcelo Vivolo Aun, Antonio Abilio Motta, Mariana Castells, Jorge Kalil, Pedro Giavina-Bianchi
Summary: The study confirmed the allergy to penicillin in pregnant women with syphilis through intradermal testing, and demonstrated that risk stratification based on clinical reaction and skin testing was safe and effective for guiding penicillin re-introduction. Intradermal testing was found to be an excellent biomarker for diagnosing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin and predicting breakthrough reactions during rapid drug desensitization.
WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Fang Hu, Shuai-Jun Guo, Jian-Jun Lu, Ning-Xuan Hua, Yan-Yan Song, Sui-Fang Lin, Sui Zhu
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of an algorithm using maternal non-treponemal titres and timing of treatment as predictors of congenital syphilis. The algorithm can be an effective strategy to diagnose or rule out CS, particularly in settings with high loss to follow-up or lacking straightforward diagnostic tools.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Merly Cubelo, Odelvys Granela, Rishi Kalia, Francoeur Cadet
Summary: Ocular syphilis can present with a variety of symptoms, with the most common being eye pain, blurry vision, and erythematous conjunctiva. This report describes a case of ocular syphilis in an HIV-positive patient with penicillin allergy, successfully treated with doxycycline.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chunrong Yuan, Zonghuang Ding, Ping Qin
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the combination of benzathine penicillin and ceftriaxone in the treatment of latent syphilis in the elderly. The results showed that the combination therapy was more effective in controlling the disease and improving patients' negative emotions and quality of life compared to benzathine penicillin alone, with fewer adverse drug reactions. Further clinical trials are needed before its application in clinical practice.
TROPICAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
M. Janier, M. Unemo, N. Dupin, G. S. Tiplica, M. Potocnik, R. Patel
Summary: The 2020 European guideline on the management of syphilis provides updates on the ongoing epidemics, new testing technologies, drug shortages, and emphasizes the prophylactic use of doxycycline in high-risk populations.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tigabu Addisu Lendado, Tessema Tekle, Desalegn Dawit, Wakgari Binu Daga, Chala Wegi Diro, Mihiretu Alemayehu Arba, Tadese Tekle
Summary: The study identified sexual-related factors as major determinants of syphilis infection among pregnant women, emphasizing the need to promote safe sexual behavior, raise awareness about STI risks, and provide comprehensive antenatal care services for early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kuan-Yin Lin, Chia-Jui Yang, Hsin-Yun Sun, Yu-Chung Chuang, Lan-Hsin Chang, Wen-Chun Liu, Yi-Ching Su, Sui-Yuan Chang, Chien-Ching Hung, Shan-Chwen Chang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HIV infection on the treatment response of early syphilis. The results showed that HIV-positive patients had poorer serologic responses to benzathine penicillin G treatment compared to HIV-negative patients, with higher treatment failure rates among HIV-positive individuals.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tendesayi Kufa, Selamawit Woldesenbet, Mireille Cheyip, Kassahun Ayalew, Ranmini Kularatne, Samuel Manda, Carl Lombard, Adrian Puren
Summary: This study describes the coverage of syphilis screening and treatment among pregnant women in South African antenatal clinics and their association with maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment status. The national syphilis screening coverage met the global target, but the syphilis positivity rate was higher among HIV positive women. Introducing rapid syphilis testing and ensuring universal access to appropriate treatment will reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mulusew Enbiale, Asmare Getie, Frehiwot Haile, Beemnet Tekabe, Direslgn Misekir
Summary: The study found a syphilis sero-prevalence of 4.8% among pregnant women in Jinka town. Factors such as rural residence, alcohol use, and having multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with syphilis. Efforts need to be made to educate pregnant women on avoiding risky behaviors and the impact of syphilis on pregnancy.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yosuke Ono, Ryo Okumura, Kanako C. Hatanaka, Yuichiro Sato, Hajime Ota, Yoshiyuki Fukushi, Shinichiro Wada, Hideto Yamada
Summary: Syphilis infection during pregnancy can lead to complications and mother-to-child transmission. Early detection and treatment are crucial. In this case, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the amniotic fluid allowed for early diagnosis of congenital syphilis in a newborn.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ye Zhang, Rebecca Guy, Hawa Camara, Tanya L. Applegate, Virginia Wiseman, Carla Treloar, Lise Lafferty
Summary: The uptake of HIV and syphilis rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) among pregnant women in low-income and middle-income countries is suboptimal. Factors influencing the acceptance and continuation of RDT testing by pregnant women include their perception of the benefits for themselves and their babies, and the provision of gender-sensitive, confidential, respectful, flexible, and future-oriented services. Sociocultural beliefs, awareness of diseases, and gender roles in society also influence the acceptability of RDTs among pregnant women. Healthcare workers require ongoing training, accurate and easy-to-use tests, support from supervisors and communities, adequate resources and staffing, and reliable salary to provide high-quality RDT care. Well-developed guidelines and health system infrastructures are crucial for the delivery of RDTs in antenatal clinics. Community stakeholders should also be involved in promoting RDT uptake in these clinics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shashanka Rajapakse, Nuwan Wickramasinghe, Janith Warnasekara, Parami Abeyrathna, Gayani Amarasinghe, Ayesh Umeshana Hettiarachchi, Imasha Upulini Jayasinghe, Iresha Koralegedara, Thilini Chanchala Agampodi, Suneth B. Agampodi
Summary: This study describes the epidemiology of asthma and its impact on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women from a rural geography. The study found a high prevalence of asthma among pregnant women and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Minu P. Sunny, C. Krishnan, P. R. Sabeel Abdulla, M. G. Geeta
Summary: Congenital syphilis occurs due to trans-placental transmission of Treponema pallidum or intrapartum contact with infectious lesions. It sporadically occurs in India due to lack of antenatal screening and awareness about syphilis burden among clinicians. Awareness among clinicians is crucial for early diagnosis as clinical manifestations overlap with many systemic diseases.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Emmanuel Kolawole Odusina, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Eugene Budu, Betregiorgis Zegeye, Sanni Yaya
Summary: The study found that approximately 92.3% of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa did not comply with WHO's recommended minimum of 8 ANC visits. Factors such as age, health insurance registration, economic status, parity, and community literacy were associated with noncompliance with ANC visits. Empowering women economically, improving health insurance and education coverage, and focusing on young pregnant women and those with more children are crucial for improving ANC visit coverage in the region.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Manisha Mishra, Debasini Parida, Jogesh Murmu, Damini Singh, Tanveer Rehman, Jaya Singh Kshatri, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in monitoring antenatal care among pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The findings indicate that antenatal mothers who used mobile health interventions were more likely to attend ANC check-ups. Policymakers should prioritize the integration of mHealth interventions into maternal healthcare services in LMICs.
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Renee Heffron, Sharon L. Achilles, Laneta J. Dorflinger, Janet P. Hapgood, James Kiarie, Chelsea B. Polis, Petrus S. Steyn
Article
Infectious Diseases
Brandon L. Guthrie, Anne F. Rositch, Joy Alison Cooper, Carey Farquhar, Rose Bosire, Robert Choi, James Kiarie, Jennifer S. Smith
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nguyen Toan Tran, Armando Seuc, Beatrice Tshikaya, Maurice Mutuale, Sihem Landoulsi, Brigitte Kini, Bernadette Mbu Nkolomonyi, Jean Nyandwe Kyloka, Felicite Langwana, Asa Cuzin-Kihl, James Kiarie, Mary Eluned Gaffield, Rachel Yodi, Desire Mashinda Kulimba
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Michael H. Chung, Christine J. McGrath, Ingrid A. Beck, Molly Levine, Ross S. Milne, Isaac So, Nina Andersen, Sandra Dross, Robert W. Coombs, Bhavna Chohan, Nelly Yatich, Catherine Kiptinness, Samah R. Sakr, James N. Kiarie, Lisa M. Frenkel
Review
Family Studies
Kathryn M. Curtis, Philip C. Hannaford, Maria Isabel Rodriguez, Tsungai Chipato, Petrus S. Steyn, James N. Kiarie
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Igor Toskin, Veloshnee Govender, Karel Blondeel, Maurine Murtagh, Magnus Unemo, Charifa Zemouri, Rosanna W. Peeling, James Kiarie
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2020)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Syed Khurram Azmat, Moazzam Ali, Fahad Javaid Siddiqui, Syed Farhan Ali Tirmizi, James Kiarie
Summary: Research indicates that during outbreaks, healthcare system burdens lead to declines in facility-based deliveries, contraceptive use, and antenatal and institutional care. Poverty and lack of awareness at the community level are critical contributors to poor access to sexual and reproductive health services.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Family Studies
Caroline Gotsche, Petrus S. Steyn, Manjulaa Narasimhan, Michelle Rodolph, Rachel Baggaley, James N. Kiarie
Summary: This review aimed to gather evidence of integrating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention into family planning services. The use of a comprehensive package, combining PrEP and contraception, can reduce the number of new HIV infections and unintended pregnancies for at-risk women and adolescent girls. The study identified barriers and facilitators at the client-level and provider-level for integrating services.
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Adeniyi Kolade Aderoba, Rita Kabra, James Njogu Kiarie
Summary: This study aims to describe and assess the evidence on implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers to scaling up and sustaining task-sharing in family planning. This is important for generating recommendations to support interventions in scaling up and sustaining task-sharing in family planning.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Adeniyi Kolade Aderoba, Petrus Schoken Steyn, James Njogu Kiarie
Summary: This article describes the implementation strategies for scaling up self-administered DMPA-SC and the barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of these programs. The review found that various interventions (such as task-sharing, engaged leadership, policy support, etc.) can promote the scaling up of DMPA-SC, but there is limited evidence on the outcomes of scaling up.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Purity Njagi, Wim Groot, Jelena Arsenijevic, Silke Dyer, Gitau Mburu, James Kiarie
Summary: The direct costs of assisted reproductive technology (ART) are unaffordable for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The costs exceed the annual average income and GDP per capita, raising concerns about the accessibility and financial burden for those in need.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
C. M. Cox, M. E. Thoma, N. Tchangalova, G. Mburu, M. J. Bornstein, C. L. Johnson, J. Kiarie
Summary: The study found a high prevalence of infertility globally and regionally, with variations in measures to ascertain and compare infertility prevalence. More systematic and comprehensive collection of data using a consistent definition is needed to improve infertility prevalence estimates at global, regional, and country levels.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ingrid A. Beck, Molly Levine, Christine J. McGrath, Steve Bii, Ross S. Milne, James M. Kingoo, Isaac So, Nina Andersen, Sandra Dross, Robert W. Coombs, James Kiarie, Bhavna Chohan, Samah R. Sakr, Michael H. Chung, Lisa M. Frenkel
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rob Stephenson, Nicholas Metheny, Tamar Goldenberg, Nataliia Bakunina, Sofia De Vasconcelos, Karel Blondeel, James Kiarie, Igor Toskin
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2020)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Jared M. Baeten, James Kiarie, Timothy D. Mastro, Nelly R. Mugo, Helen Rees