Prevalence of malocclusions in children with microcephaly associated with the Zika virus
Beatriz Aguiar do Amaral1, Patrícia Nóbrega Gomes1, Isabelita Duarte Azevedo1
1Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Introduction:
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among children with Zika virus-associated microcephaly (MZV) and to describe the most common malocclusion in this population.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study including patients aged between 30 and 36 months diagnosed with MZV. Healthy children were randomly selected with the same sociodemographic characteristics as the control group. Information about arch-type, primate spaces, arch form, overbite, overjet, midline deviation, anterior crossbite, anterior open bite, and the posterior crossbite was recorded. The statistical analysis used descriptive analysis, Pearson chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
Forty children comprised the MZV group, and 40 comprised the control group. Our results demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of malocclusions in children who had MZV than the control group (P <0.001). Patients with MZV were more likely to have late eruption (P <0.001), hypoplastic maxillary arch (P <0.001), hypoplastic mandibular arch (P <0.001), excessive overjet (P <0.001), and posterior crossbite (P = 0.004).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among children with MZV. Late eruption, hypoplastic maxillary arch, hypoplastic mandibular arch, excessive overjet, and posterior crossbite were the most common characteristics for this population.
Insights
Children with Zika virus-associated microcephaly (MZV) exhibit a higher prevalence of malocclusion. Common dental issues in MZV patients include late eruption and specific arch and bite abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly in infants.
- Microcephaly is associated with a range of developmental challenges.
- Dental anomalies represent a potential health concern in children with Zika virus-associated microcephaly (MZV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of malocclusion in children diagnosed with MZV.
- To identify and describe the most common types of malocclusion within this specific pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Participants included 40 children aged 30-36 months with MZV and 40 age- and sociodemographically matched healthy controls.
- Dental assessments covered arch form, overbite, overjet, midline deviation, and various crossbite types, analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Children with MZV showed a significantly higher prevalence of malocclusion compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- MZV patients were more likely to present with late eruption (P < 0.001), hypoplastic maxillary and mandibular arches (P < 0.001), excessive overjet (P < 0.001), and posterior crossbite (P = 0.004).
Conclusions:
- Malocclusion is more prevalent in children affected by Zika virus-associated microcephaly.
- Key dental characteristics observed in MZV patients include delayed tooth eruption, underdeveloped maxillary and mandibular arches, increased overjet, and posterior crossbite.
