Developmental assessment of children with intrauterine exposure to Zika virus: cross-sectional observational study
Victor H Estupiñan-Perez1, Angela M Jiménez-Urrego2, Freiser E Cruz-Mosquera1
1Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia.
Insights
Children exposed to Zika virus in utero show significant neurodevelopmental delays. Three years post-birth, motor and adaptive skills were most affected, indicating a need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Zika virus infection is known to impact the developing nervous system.
- Prenatal exposure to Zika virus can lead to congenital abnormalities and long-term neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to Zika virus in utero.
- To assess cognitive, adaptive, communicative, social, and motor development at three years of age.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 children with in utero Zika virus exposure was evaluated.
- The Battelle Developmental Inventory Scale was used to assess neurodevelopmental domains.
- Mean age at evaluation was 37.5 months.
Main Results:
- Children exhibited delayed equivalent ages across all assessed domains compared to their chronological age.
- Significant delays were observed in motor (25.8 months) and adaptive (26.7 months) areas.
- Twenty-five out of thirty children showed delays in at least one neurodevelopmental area.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal Zika virus exposure is associated with widespread neurodevelopmental delays in young children.
- Motor and adaptive domains appear particularly vulnerable to Zika virus effects.
- Longitudinal monitoring and targeted interventions are crucial for affected children.
Abstract:
Zika virus infection affects the development of the nervous system. This study describes the cognitive, adaptative, communicative, social and motor neurodevelopment of children exposed to Zika virus in utero. We used the Batelle scale to assess neurodevelopment three years after birth. Thirty children were included, who had a mean age at evaluation of 37.5 (IQR: 35.7-39.2) months. We found the following equivalent ages in months for each area: motor 25.8 (SD: 7.8), adaptive 26.7 (SD: 5.8), communicative 30.2 (SD: 6.9), social personal 33.5 (SD: 8.3) and cognitive 35.6 (SD: 5.9). Children showed development delay for their chronological age, 25 children were delayed in one of the five areas assessed. A high rate of children exposed to Zika virus during gestation presented delayed developmental age, mainly regarding the adaptive and motor areas.
