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Predicting subsequent infection in patients attending sexually transmitted
disease clinics.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2006; 33(12):737-742.
Newman LM, Warner L, Weinstock HS.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/GOAL: The objective of this study was to identify characteristics
associated with subsequent infection in patients attending a sexually transmitted
disease (STD) clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Records were retrospectively reviewed
for patients from public STD clinics in 4 cities for 12 months after their
initial visit to assess subsequent infection with gonorrhea, chlamydia, mucopurulent
cervicitis, nongonococcal urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, primary
or secondary syphilis, or trichomoniasis. RESULTS: Among 64,463 patients,
33.9% had an initial STD and 7.0% had a subsequent STD. Patients with an
initial STD had significantly higher probability of a subsequent STD than
patients without (12.0% vs. 4.4%). A subsequent STD was significantly more
likely for both sexes for those with an initial STD, who were symptomatic
at initial visit, reporting exchange of sex, or under age 20 as well as for
men reporting sex with men. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an initial STD were
more likely to return with a subsequent STD. Routinely collected information
such as initial diagnosis or age can help identify patients at increased
risk of a subsequent STD.