MANAGEMENT OF SYPHILIS BY NURSES IN PRIMARY CARE DURING PRENATAL CARE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that represents a serious public health problem, especially among pregnant women. When not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to severe complications, such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and congenital syphilis. In this context, the role of nurses in primary care is crucial for the screening, diagnosis, clinical management, and monitoring of pregnant women, aiming to reduce vertical transmission of the disease. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out in databases such as BVS and Scielo, using specific descriptors combined with Boolean operators. Articles published between 2018 and 2023, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, that addressed the role of nurses in the management of syphilis in prenatal care were selected. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were analyzed, describing the strategies and challenges faced by nursing in the management of syphilis. Results: The study showed that the management of gestational syphilis by nurses involves early diagnosis through rapid tests, administration of benzathine penicillin according to clinical protocols, health education for pregnant women and their partners, and continuous monitoring during and after prenatal care. The importance of the educational role of nurses was highlighted, especially in contexts with low medical presence, as a decisive factor in increasing adherence to treatment and preventing congenital syphilis. Conclusions: Nurses play a central and multifaceted role in the care of pregnant women with syphilis, from screening to postnatal monitoring. The practice of educating and guiding pregnant women and their partners, combined with structured therapeutic management, contributes significantly to reducing the rates of vertical transmission of syphilis and protecting maternal and child health. This study highlights the need for continuous training of nursing professionals and strengthening actions in primary care to face the challenges related to gestational syphilis.