Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
STORCH Brazil: multicenter cohort study protocol to investigate neurodevelopmental paths and functioning in infants
Daniele Almeida Soares-Marangoni1,2,3, Amanda de Oliveira Arguelho4, Ayrles Silva Gonçalves Barbosa Mendonça5
1Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Institute of Health, Federal University of Mato, Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. daniele.soares@ufms.br.
Insights
This study examines how gestational STORCH infections impact infant neurodevelopment in Brazil. Findings will inform clinical decisions and public health policies for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurodevelopment
- Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy
- Public Health Research
Background:
- The STORCH acronym represents gestational infections (syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex) linked to congenital syndromes and adverse neurological outcomes.
- Brazil has seen a rise in STORCH cases, yet large-scale studies on its neurodevelopmental impact are lacking.
- This research addresses this gap by analyzing a multi-center cohort within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to classic STORCH infections during gestation and infant functioning.
- To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants aged 3 to 24 months exposed to STORCH agents.
- To provide data supporting clinical decision-making and public health policies for STORCH-affected infants.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center prospective cohort study across Brazil, including 296 infants at 3 months of age.
- Infants divided into exposed (prenatal or congenital STORCH infection) and unexposed groups (n=148 each).
- Longitudinal assessments at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months using standardized neurodevelopmental and behavioral tools.
Main Results:
- This section is to be filled after study completion.
Conclusions:
- The STORCH Brazil study will elucidate the impact of gestational STORCH infections on infant functioning and neurodevelopment.
- Findings will enhance understanding of STORCH-exposed infants' needs, guiding therapists and informing tailored public policies.
- Results will be disseminated for knowledge translation to improve care for this vulnerable population.
Background:
The acronym STORCH encompasses gestational infections that can lead to congenital syndromes or adverse neurological outcomes in children. In Brazil and worldwide, there has been an alarming increase in confirmed cases of STORCH in recent years. However, no study has examined the impact of STORCH on infants' neurodevelopmental outcomes in a large, multi-center cohort, recruiting a substantial number of participants, with analysis across a broad set of variables and ages and based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model.
Objective:
To examine the association between the exposure to classic STORCH (syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus infection, and herpes simplex) on components of functioning in infants from 3 to 24 months old in Brazil.
Methods:
We propose a multi-center prospective cohort study that includes data collection in at least one city from each geographical region of Brazil. A proposed total sample size of 296 infants will be included at 3 months (12-15 weeks post term). They will be equitably divided into: (a) an exposed group (n = 148), consisting of those diagnosed with any congenital STORCH infection or whose mothers experienced prenatal STORCH infection; (b) an unexposed group (n = 148). Assessments are carried out longitudinally at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Assessment tools include Prechtl's General Movements Assessment, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, Alberta Infant Motor Scale; Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development; Survey of Well-being of Young Children; Autism Observational Scale for Infants; Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers; Child Behavior Checklist; and Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure. Descriptive analyses, including the calculation of relative risk, and logistic regressions will be conducted to examine the association between gestational exposure to STORCH agents and infants' responses/outcomes.
Discussion:
The STORCH Brazil study will investigate the impact of STORCH exposure on functioning, including neurodevelopmental trajectories, in infants during their first two years, aligning with the ICF framework. This will enhance understanding of the characteristics and needs of STORCH-exposed infants, aiding therapists in making informed clinical decisions. The results might support public policies tailored to this population. Findings will be disseminated to ensure knowledge translation.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not applicable.
