A Two Year Retrospective Review Of Patients 65-Years And Older Attending Genitourinary Clinic In A Tertiary Centre

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infection cases are present among all genders and ages. This review looked at presentations & demographics of patients 65years and older attending STI clinics in a tertiary hospital in 2022 & 2023 Methods The electronic records of patients aged 65 years and older attending the general STI clinic between January 2022 and December 2023 were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Excel Results 111 presentations were included incorporating 93 individual patients.13/93 (14%) were reviewed more than once. 54/111 (49%) self-presented, 48/111 (43%) were referred by a healthcare provider, and 9/111 (8%) were previously known to the clinic and rebooked. The median age was 70 [IQR 67 – 73]. A previous STI history was reported in 40/93 (43%). 68/93 (73%) were cis-gender males. 25/68 (37%) of males identified as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (gbMSM) of whom 23/25 (92%) received education on PEP and PrEP. 36/111(33%) presentations were due to viral dermatological conditions (HSV/HPV) and 25/111(22.5%) were due to other dermatological concerns. 6/111(5.4%) were due to a different bacterial STI. 14/111(12.5%) were related to Syphilis of which 3/14 (21%) were early infectious syphilis, 1/14 (7%) were Neurosyphilis, 4/14 (29%) were Late latent syphilis, 5/14 (36%) were previously adequately treated syphilis & 1/14 (7%) was false positive. 13/93(14%) patients were reviewed on more than one occasion of which 8/13(61.5%) were due to genital herpes simplex virus (HSV). Conclusion Sexual health remains an important aspect of care for patients as they age. While many patients’ self referred to the service it is likely that there are others that are not aware of the service or do not know how to access it. Older patients often have multiple comorbidities and complex care needs and may benefit from additional allotted time or dedicated clinic.