TREATMENT OF NEUROSYPHILIS WITH PENICILLIN

Abstract

The effectiveness of penicillin in the treatment of syphilis has been clearly demonstrated in early cases by Mahoney¹ and in later cases by Stokes and his group.² Early results indicated definite therapeutic benefit. It is to be expected that the drug which is so clearly effective against the treponeme in early cases will be effective as well in the late manifestations of the disease. Advantages which are to be expected in the use of this substance are ease of administration, diffusibility and lack of any serious toxic effects. In this respect it differs widely from all the arsenicals which are in common use. At Longview State Hospital there is a large group of cases of neurosyphilis available for treatment practically at all times. The admission rate for cases of syphilis varies between 16 and 25 per cent. The average yearly admissions, therefore, for neurosyphilis will be approximately 100