Work

Clinical, Neuroimaging and Video Electroencephalography Findings in Children With Congenital Zika Syndrome: An Analysis From a Neurorehabilitation Centre

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) represents a spectrum of fetal and neonatal abnormalities resulting from in utero Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission during pregnancy. Given the severe multisystem disabilities, relative recency of the epidemic and limited long-term data, comprehensive characterization at specialized centres is crucial. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine clinical symptoms, brain imaging and brain activity (video electroencephalography, VEEG) patterns in children with CZS receiving care at a specialized rehabilitation centre. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study from August 2018 to January 2019 with 48 children diagnosed with CZS according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health criteria. We collected clinical data from electronic medical records. RESULTS: The most common clinical problems included bladder and bowel incontinence (97.9%), epilepsy (85.5%), facial abnormalities (89%), swallowing difficulties (83.3%), excessive irritability (81.3%), eye misalignment (75%), sleep problems (72.9%), acid reflux (62.0%) and vision problems (62.5%). Brain imaging revealed reduced brain tissue volume (95.8%), abnormal corpus callosum (91.1%), enlarged fluid-filled spaces in the brain (89.5%), calcium deposits at the brain's outer layers (78.3%) and abnormally thick brain folds (71.1%). We found significant links between bone/muscle malformations and both white matter disease (p = 0.036) and enlarged brain ventricles (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Children with CZS consistently show motor difficulties, multiple clinical problems and characteristic brain abnormalities. These findings predict significant limitations in daily activities, movement and cognitive-social development.

Source: International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1002/jdn.70115

Authors: Adilina Soares Romeiro Rodrigues, Pedro Ykaro Fialho Silva, Ramiro Pinheiro Rodrigues, Kylvia Giselle Fernandes Dantas Pinho, Sthefani da Costa Penha, Álvaro Jorge Madeiro Leite

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Ceará, Sarah Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals

Language: English

Topic: Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400