Effect of neurodevelopmental treatment in children with congenital Zika syndrome: A pilot study
Wirtud I M Müller1, Gabriela L Gama2,3, Marcia C D Borges1
1Associação Brasileira de Abordagens Neurofuncionais (ABDAN), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Insights
Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) improved motor function and reduced illness in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This 1-year intervention showed no adverse effects on growth, indicating NDT is a beneficial approach for CZS patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) presents significant neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Early intervention is crucial for managing CZS-related complications.
- Limited data exists on the efficacy of specific therapeutic approaches for CZS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) on motor function and overall health in children diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).
- To assess the safety and efficacy of a 1-year NDT protocol for CZS.
- To monitor growth parameters and the incidence of comorbidities during NDT.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, interventional cohort study was conducted with children diagnosed with CZS.
- Children received NDT sessions (45 minutes, 1-5 times weekly) for a duration of 1 year.
- Evaluations included motor function, weight, height, head circumference, and comorbidity incidence at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in motor function was observed by the 6-month mark (P = 0.001).
- Height z-scores increased significantly (P < 0.001), while weight and head circumference z-scores remained stable.
- A notable reduction in the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections was recorded.
Conclusions:
- Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) is a viable and effective intervention for children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).
- NDT positively impacts motor function and reduces the frequency of common infections in CZS patients.
- The NDT protocol demonstrated a favorable safety profile concerning physical growth in this cohort.
Aim:
To evaluate the effects of neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).
Methods:
This prospective, interventional cohort study involved children with CZS undergoing follow-up at a specialist centre in northeastern Brazil. The duration of the proposed NDT protocol was 1 year, with 45-min sessions delivered one to five times weekly. Motor function, weight, height, head circumference and the incidence of comorbidities were evaluated in children before protocol initiation and then at 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment.
Results:
Thirty children were evaluated (age mean 30.1 ± 3 months). Motor function improved from baseline to 6 months (P = 0.001). No difference in weight and head circumference z-score (P = 0.51 and P = 0.29, respectively), but an increase in height z-score (P < 0.001) was observed over the evaluation period. There was a reduction in the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia and urinary tract infections over the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
NDT proved to be a viable treatment approach that can improve motor function and reduce the incidence of comorbidities in children with CZS, while having no harmful effects on their growth.
