Postural Abnormalities in Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome-Related Neurological and Visual Impairment
Raíne Borba1,2, Amanda Rodrigues2, Camila V Ventura3,4,5
1Paulista School Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), Sao Paulo 04023-062, Brazil.
Insights
Children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) often have significant postural issues, including widespread body asymmetries and abnormal spinal alignment. These challenges are linked to neurological and visual impairments common in CZS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Physiotherapy
Background:
- Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is associated with neurological and developmental deficits.
- Atypical postural patterns, including deformities and muscle contractures, are frequently observed in children with CZS.
- The interplay between neurological, visual, and postural impairments in CZS requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the postural alignment of children diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).
- To consider the influence of concurrent neurological and visual impairments on the posture of these children.
- To identify common postural deviations and asymmetries in a cohort of children with CZS.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmological assessments, including binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and ocular motility evaluation.
- Postural alignment measurement using the PhysioCode Posture (PCP) application.
- Inclusion of 24 children with CZS, with detailed demographic and clinical data collection.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of visual impairment (95.2%) was noted, with 85.0% experiencing moderate to severe vision loss or blindness.
- Widespread postural abnormalities were observed: shoulder asymmetry (95.8%), abnormal head and hip alignment (75.0%), and spinal deviations (41.7%).
- All participants exhibited asymmetries and improper postural patterns, suggesting a multifactorial etiology.
Conclusions:
- Children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) consistently present with significant postural deformities and asymmetries.
- Neurological deficits, visual impairments, and potentially environmental factors contribute to the observed postural challenges in CZS.
- Comprehensive assessment and intervention strategies addressing both neurological and visual aspects are crucial for managing postural issues in children with CZS.
Abstract:
Deformities, body asymmetries, and muscle contractures are common consequences of atypical postural patterns in children with c ongenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This study aimed to evaluate the posture of children with CZS, considering their neurological and visual impairments. Ophthalmological assessment included binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using Teller Acuity Cards II (TAC II) and an ocular motility evaluation. Postural alignment was measured using the PhysioCode Posture (PCP) app. Twenty-four children with CZS (12 [50.0%] female) were included, with a mean age of 6.8 ± 0.7 years (range, 4.0-7.0 years). The majority (79.2% [19/24]) had microcephaly at birth. Visual impairment was detected in 95.2% (20/21) of the children, with 85.0% (17/20) classified as moderate, severe, or blind. Shoulder asymmetry was observed in 95.8% (23/24) of participants, and 75.0% (18/24) presented abnormal postural alignment of the head and hips. Additionally, spinal deviations were found in 41.7% (10/24) of the children. All children with CZS exhibited asymmetries and improper postural patterns, which may result from a combination of neurological and visual impairments as well as environmental factors.
