Early syphilis, symptomatic
ICD-10 A52.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of early syphilis, symptomatic.
Early syphilis, symptomatic, refers to the initial stage of syphilis infection characterized by the presence of symptoms such as primary chancre, secondary rash, or mucous membrane lesions. This stage typically occurs within weeks to months after exposure to the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Symptoms may include painless sores at the site of infection, generalized rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression to later stages of syphilis, which can lead to severe complications affecting multiple organ systems. The symptomatic nature of this condition necessitates careful clinical evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing, including serological tests for syphilis, to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment usually involves the administration of benzathine penicillin G, which is effective in eradicating the infection. Contact tracing is essential to identify and treat sexual partners to prevent further transmission of the disease.
Detailed patient history, symptom description, and treatment plan.
Patients presenting with genital ulcers, rashes, or systemic symptoms.
Consideration of co-infections and comprehensive STI screening.
Thorough documentation of sexual history and risk assessment.
Routine screenings in high-risk populations and symptomatic patients.
Importance of patient education on STI prevention and treatment adherence.
Used for confirming diagnosis in symptomatic patients.
Document the reason for testing and results.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional tests for co-infections.
Common symptoms include painless sores, rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms may vary among individuals.
