Scoping Review of Hearing Loss Attributed to Congenital Syphilis: Implications for Practitioners

As practitioners, staying abreast of the latest research is crucial for delivering optimal care to our students. A recent scoping review titled Scoping review of hearing loss attributed to congenital syphilis provides valuable insights into an under-researched area: the incidence, characteristics, prognosis, and therapy of hearing loss in children and adults with presumed congenital syphilis (CS).

Key Findings from the Scoping Review

The review, conducted by Hafeeez et al., revealed several critical findings:

• Five studies reported an incidence of CS in 0.3% to 8% of children with hearing loss, though all had a high risk of bias.
• Seven studies found that 0 to 19% of children with CS had hearing loss, but only one study with a control group showed comparable rates in cases and controls.
• Case reports and series indicated that hearing loss was usually first recognized during adolescence or adulthood.
• Intervention studies, all published in 1983 or earlier, reported variable results following treatment with penicillin, prednisone, and/or ACTH.

Implications for Practitioners

Given the limitations and variability in the current literature, practitioners should consider the following steps to improve their practice:

1. Screening and Diagnosis

While the review indicates a need for more robust data, it underscores the importance of considering congenital syphilis as a potential cause of unexplained hearing loss, especially in adolescents and adults. Ensure comprehensive screening protocols that include syphilis testing for students with unexplained hearing loss.

2. Early Intervention

Although the efficacy of treatments like penicillin and corticosteroids remains uncertain, early intervention is crucial. Monitor students closely and consider these treatments as part of a broader, individualized care plan.

3. Further Research

The review highlights significant gaps in the literature, particularly the need for high-quality, long-term observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or support research efforts to fill these gaps.

Encouraging Further Research

The resurgence of congenital syphilis cases in Canada and the United States necessitates a renewed focus on this issue. Practitioners can contribute to advancing the field by:

• Participating in collaborative research initiatives.
• Sharing case studies and outcomes with the broader medical and educational community.
• Advocating for funding and resources dedicated to this area of study.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Scoping review of hearing loss attributed to congenital syphilis.