Perfil epidemiológico da sífilis congênita em um hospital de referência no nordeste nos anos de 2020 a 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, or vertically from mother to child, the latter being referred to as congenital syphilis. The incidence of syphilis in pregnant women has proven to be a significant risk factor due to its severe effects, such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and newborns with clinical signs of the disease, highlighting the importance of this topic. The nurses have a crucial role in providing information about the disease, its symptoms, and its implications during pregnancy, as well as in guiding preventive measures to avoid vertical transmission. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of congenital syphilis in a maternity hospital in the Northeast of Brazil during the period from 2020 to 2024. Methods: This is a descriptive quantitative study based on the analysis of secondary data collected at a maternity hospital in the Northeast of Brazil, through the review of congenital syphilis notification forms using a research instrument created by the investigator. All recorded cases of congenital syphilis and their respective mothers, from 2020 to 2024, were considered to obtain a representative sample of the population served by the institution. Results and Discussion: The study analyzed a total of 640 congenital syphilis notification forms. There was a much higher prevalence of cases among the Black and mixed race populations compared to the white population. Regarding the sex of the newborns, there was a balanced distribution between females (49.6%) and males (48.6%). As for the place of birth or miscarriage/stillbirth, 95.2% of cases occurred in Teresina (capital of Piauí). Considering the total of 640 confirmed cases during the period, the average annual rate of congenital syphilis was 13.71 cases per 1,000 live births. These results show a fluctuating trend in congenital syphilis incidence, with peak years followed by declines, which may reflect both variations in prenatal care coverage and quality, and factors related to surveillance, reporting, and public health interventions. Conclusion: These results may assist the hospital and the primary healthcare network in establishing targeted protocols for the care of pregnant women with a positive syphilis diagnosis, strengthening early detection and proper management of the disease to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with congenital syphilis. Descriptors: Congenital syphilis. Health profile. Child health.