A meta-analysis of the efficacy of azithromycin and benzathine penicillin in early syphilis

摘要

Purpose: To systematically analyze the efficacy of azithromycin and benzathine penicillin in early syphilis, and provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and control studies according to keywords, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Related documents and meeting records were also searched manually to extract study types, basic information of study objects, intervention measurements and study results, and evaluation of the quality of the methodology used. Results: Three studies were excluded from the review. The quality evaluation was B grade, and heterogenicity was good. We adopted a fixed effect model to conduct the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the cure rate between azithromycin and benzathine penicillin administered for 6 months. The ORs for 3 time points were 0.96 (95% CI = 0.71, 1.29), 0.01 (95% CI = -0.05, 0.06), and 0.04 (95% CI = -0.02, 0.11; p 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events among the three studies. Conclusion: There was no apparent difference in the efficacy of azithromycin and benzathine penicillin in early syphilis. The advantages of azithromycin included good compliance, a long half-life, and a high economic benefit.