Introduction Congenital syphilis (CS) is a serious public health problem in Brazil, being the cause of fetal death and other perinatal complications, besides it is a good indicator of prenatal quality. The objective of this study is knowing the frequency of CS notification at Antonio Pedro University Hospital of Federal Fluminense University (HUAP), Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, and analyse several data from the compulsory notification sheets (CNS) of this disease.

Methods Retrospective temporal study about the frequency of CS’s notification in HUAP (Epidemiological Surveillance Department) in the period from 2008–2015.

Results We found 56 CNS. We analysed data on diagnosis, treatment, signs and symptoms of CS, among others. We exclude four sheets (4/56/7.14%) because they do not contain minimum data for analysis. So, we worked with 52 CNS of the eight-year period. Only 9 (9/52/17.37%) CNS were fully met. The numbers of childbirth/CS/% in HUAP were: 2008 (389/8/2.05%); 2009 (373/6/1.60%); 2010 (442/4/0.90%); 2011 (508/0/0%); 2012 (521/1/0.19%); 2013 (640/9/1.40%); 2014 (522/14/2.68%); 2015 (422/10/2.37%). Maternal age: 6 pregnant women (11.5%) between 14 and 18 years, 25 (48.1%) between 19 and 25 years, 18 (34.6%) between 26 and 40 years and 3 (5.8% ) Ignored. About prenatal care: 10 pregnant women (19.2%) performed in HUAP, 34 (65.4%) in basic health units in Niterói and other cities in the state, and 8 (15.4%) did not done. The diagnosis of maternal syphilis occurred during prenatal care in 37 (71%) cases, in childbirth in 12 (23%) and after childbirth in 3 (6%). Only 11 partners (21.1%) were treated. Forty-eight (92.3%) newborns were treated appropriately. Cases evolutions: 46 (88.5%) were still alive, 3 (5.8%) were stillborn, 2 (3.8%) evolved to postpartum death and 1 (1.9%) was an abortion.

Conclusion The notification and complete padding of the CS’s CNS is of crucial importance for CS control with the pregnant women and prenatal evaluation. We found many flaws for a federal university service.