CONGENITAL SYPHILIS: approach and management of the newborn by the nursing team in a hospital in the northwestern region of Espírito Santo

Congenital syphilis remains a present-day disease with a significant potential for harm to both the mother and newborn if left untreated. The nursing team, as a direct point of contact at all levels of care, plays a crucial role in providing assistance in such cases. This study aims to assess the approach and management of the nursing team when dealing with newborns diagnosed with congenital syphilis at a maternity hospital in the northwestern region of the state of Espírito Santo. This is a descriptive study with both qualitative and quantitative components, involving interviews with nursing professionals and an analysis of 171 medical records of pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis. The findings revealed gaps in prenatal care, with 25.14% of pregnant women having only 1 to 5 consultations, and 4.09% receiving no prenatal care at all. Furthermore, 69% of their partners did not undergo syphilis treatment or did so inadequately. Analysis of the 171 infants born to these women revealed 30 premature births, 7 cases of neurosyphilis, 35 with low birth weight, and sadly, 1 recorded death. Hence, it becomes evident that the nursing team holds a significant role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital syphilis, along with the approach and management of infected newborns. This is essential for the improvement of this public health concern.