Gross Motor Function and Musculoskeletal Deformities in Children With Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to assess gross motor function and describe musculoskeletal deformities in patients diagnosed with Congenital zika syndrome (CZS).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, carried out at the Association for Assistance of Disabled Children (AACD) in Pernambuco, Brazil, between June 2017 and April 2023. Medical records and assessments were carried out to describe musculoskeletal deformities and measure gross motor function, using the GMFM-88.

RESULTS

The study included 37 patients between 1 and 2 years old, 56.8% infected during the first trimester of pregnancy. The patients' mean GMFM value was 5.63 and standard deviation was 6.37. A moderate correlation was observed between head circumference at birth and the patients' current gross motor function (Pearson coeficient = 0.594) (p<0.001). We also observed 19 types of deformities, which were more prevalent in the lower limbs.

CONCLUSION

CZS brings significant impairments to motor function and the musculoskeletal system. In this context, measuring head circumference at birth can serve as a predictor of impaired gross motor function in these children.