DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN WITH INTR AUTERINE EXPOSURE TO ZIK A VIRUS: CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Zika virus infection affects the development of the nervous system. This study describes the cognitive, adaptative, communicative, social and motor neurodevelopment of children exposed to Zika virus in utero. We used the Batelle scale to assess neurodevelopment three years after birth. Thirty children were included, who had a mean age at evaluation of 37.5 (IQR: 35.7-39.2) months. We found the following equivalent ages in months for each area: motor 25.8 (SD: 7.8), adaptive 26.7 (SD: 5.8), communicative 30.2 (SD: 6.9), social personal 33.5 (SD: 8.3) and cognitive 35.6 (SD: 5.9). Children showed development delay for their chronological age, 25 children were delayed in one of the five areas assessed. A high rate of children exposed to Zika virus during gestation presented delayed developmental age, mainly regarding the adaptive and motor areas.