Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Congenital Syphilis in Japan, 2023: Executive Summary

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital syphilis (CS), a Treponema pallidum infection transmitted from mother to child, is rising in Japan.
• Increased syphilis cases have led to a corresponding rise in congenital syphilis.
• Recent advancements include automated antibody testing and the 2021 introduction of benzathine penicillin G.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the surge in congenital syphilis cases in Japan.
• To provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for CS management.
• To standardize diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up protocols for CS.

Main Methods:

• Development of the first edition of clinical practice guidelines for CS management.
• Formation of a committee with representatives from 4 Japanese medical societies.
• Outline of 5 clinical questions with expert statements on CS care.

Main Results:

• The guidelines address critical aspects of CS management, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
• Expert comments provide valuable insights for clinicians.
• The document aims to support healthcare providers in managing CS patients.

Conclusions:

• The newly developed guidelines offer essential support for managing congenital syphilis in Japan.
• These guidelines are crucial for improving infant outcomes affected by CS.
• Standardized management protocols are vital in response to the increasing incidence of CS.