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Orofacial myofunctional and anthropometric characteristics of children with and without microcephaly: a case-control study

  • 0Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brasil.
Journal of Applied Oral Science : Revista Fob +

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July 10, 2025

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July 10, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Children with Zika virus-related microcephaly exhibit impaired orofacial myofunction, particularly in swallowing and chewing. These findings highlight early developmental challenges associated with microcephaly.

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pediatrics

Background

  • Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly.
  • Orofacial myofunctional disorders can impact a child's growth, feeding, and overall development.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To compare orofacial morphofunctional characteristics in children with and without Zika virus-related microcephaly.
  • To identify specific orofacial alterations associated with microcephaly in early childhood.

Main Methods

  • A descriptive, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted with 48 children (24 with microcephaly, 24 controls) born during the 2015-2016 Zika outbreak in Brazil.
  • The Preliminary Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E) was used for assessment.
  • Orofacial anthropometric measurements were also collected.

Main Results

  • Children with microcephaly showed significantly lower scores in facial, cheek, and total stomatognathic functions compared to controls (p<.001).
  • Swallowing efficiency was reduced in microcephalic children aged 13-18 months.
  • Anthropometric measurements revealed differences in facial thirds and lip/philtrum proportions in the microcephaly group.

Conclusions

  • Microcephaly is associated with altered orofacial myofunction, manifesting as difficulties in swallowing and chewing during early childhood.
  • These findings underscore the importance of early orofacial assessment in infants with Zika virus-related microcephaly.