A study evaluating ceftriaxone as a treatment agent for primary and secondary syphilis in pregnancy

To evaluate the efficacy of ceftriaxone in pregnant women who were diagnosed with early syphilis.

Eleven women with a history of penicillin allergy, positive skin test, but prior history of safe usage of cephalosporins were included. Ceftriaxone (250 mg) was given intramuscularly once daily for 7 and 10 days to patients with primary and secondary syphilis, respectively. A second course of therapy was provided at 28 weeks' gestation. The rapid plasma reagin test (RPR) was measured before and after therapy. The blood of neonates was also tested at delivery and during the follow-up period.

The serum RPR titers of 11 mothers decreased fourfold, 3 months after treatment. Ten patients developed negative RPR results. The serum RPR was negative at delivery or 6 months after delivery in all neonates.

Ceftriaxone may be considered as an alternative for treatment of early syphilis in pregnancy.