Longitudinal Follow-Up of Gross Motor Function in Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome from a Cohort in Rio...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) poses a significant public health challenge.
• Understanding the long-term motor development trajectory in children with CZS is crucial for effective clinical management and therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally describe the gross motor function evolution in children diagnosed with CZS.
• To assess the correlation between initial motor function and long-term prognosis in CZS-affected children.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted involving children with CZS.
• Gross motor function was evaluated at two time points using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM-88) test.
• Participants were children without arthrogryposis or other congenital osteoarticular malformations.

Main Results:

• Out of 74 children, 57 were classified with severe motor impairment at follow-up.
• While slight improvements were noted, the majority of children exhibited motor deficits consistent with severe cerebral palsy.
• Baseline GMFM-88 scores were found to be predictive of the children's motor prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Children with CZS, particularly those without other malformations, often experience severe and persistent motor impairments.
• Longitudinal monitoring and early functional assessments are vital for managing CZS and predicting developmental trajectories.
• The findings underscore the profound impact of CZS on neurodevelopment and motor function.