Neurological characteristics of Zika virus embryopathy cases in Ceará

Background: Congenital Zika virus (SCZV) infection is associated with a spectrum of severe neurological abnormalities, mainly microcephaly, and central nervous system malformation. In this way, it becomes relevant to know the main neurological alterations that accompany SCZV in Ceará.

Objective: To know the main neurological characteristics that accompany SCZV in Ceará.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study, quantitative and descriptive, through the review of data in medical records. The collection was performed in 2 centers and the neurological evaluation was performed in July 2019. The dysmorphic variables were craniofacial disproportion, prominent occipital bone and neurological variables, hypoactivity, hypertonia, opisthotonos, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperexcitability, irritability, developmental milestones neurological status, in addition to age, sex, anthropometric data, and history of maternal Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Results: The sample had 43 cases and 50% were female. Most cases were 3 years old, mothers with prenatal symptoms of Zika virus infection in the first trimester, born at term, without perinatal complications, with a mean head circumference of 27.5 cm. We had 41 (95.3%) patients with microcephaly, 36 (83.7%) with craniofacial disproportion, and 29 (67.4%) with a prominent occipital bone. Regarding the neurological manifestations, the most common was hypertonia/opisthotonus, present in 31 patients (72.0%). 19 (44.1%) had reduced motor activity status, 30 (69.7%) had hyperreflexia/clonus, 25 (55.8%) had hyperexcitability/irritability and 23 (53.4%) had significant neurodevelopmental delay.

Conclusions: Children with SCZV have a significant neurodevelopmental delay and physical examination features that demonstrate the impact on basic activities of daily living. These changes often result in secondary psychological and social impairments that make socialization and school performance difficult. Early recognition and differentiated multidisciplinary follow-up are necessary to minimize health complications, in addition to favoring a better quality of life for this population.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
18 September 2023