Bad news: Families' experiences and feelings surrounding the diagnosis of Zika-related microcephaly.

The rapidly increasing number of cases of Zika virus and limited understanding of its congenital sequelae (e.g., microcephaly) led to stories of fear and uncertainty across social media and other mass communication networks. In this study, we used techniques generic to netnography, a form of ethnography, using Internet-based computer-mediated communications as a source of data to understand the experience and perceptions of families with infants diagnosed with Zika-related microcephaly. We screened 27 YouTube™ videos published online between October 2015 and July 2016, during which the Zika epidemic started, peaked, and declined. We identified three themes: (a) experiencing the news of a diagnosis of Zika-associated microcephaly; (b) experiencing feelings and expectations of the 'imperfect' child; and (c) seeking to understand microcephaly to care for the child. We found that families experienced distressing feelings of shock, sadness, hopelessness, and pain, while dealing with emerging and sometimes conflicting information being transmitted by news outlets, uncertainty about the child's health, and healthcare providers' lack of clarity to guide the family members. The 'unknown' factor of ZIKA was an additional stressful factor in the experience of the families.

Zika virus during pregnancy: From maternal exposure to congenital Zika virus syndrome.

Zika virus (ZIKV), a vector-borne virus similar to dengue virus, was responsible for a global epidemic between 2013 and 2017 and has emerged as a new agent responsible for severe fetopathies. We present a review to describe the risks and complications of maternal and subsequent fetal infection by ZIKV. The risk of ZIKV infection during pregnancy depends on the incidence of the disease, which is highly variable in different affected geographic areas (less than 1% to 75%). Among infected pregnant women, the risk of any adverse fetal/neonatal outcome was estimated at 5% to 42%, with 1% to 4% of fetal loss and 4% to 9% of suspected congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). The estimated rate of maternal-fetal transmission ranges between 7% and 26%, depending on the methodology of the study. Findings associated with CZS are microcephaly (33%-64%), ventriculomegaly (63%-92%), calcifications (71%-92%), malformations of cortical development (79%-82%), anomalies of the corpus callosum (71%-100%) and of the posterior fossa (21%-82%), arthrogryposis (10%-25%), eye abnormalities (25%), and extra-neurologic signs such as intra uterine growth restriction (14%), placentomegaly, transient hepatitis, mild anemia. Infants who present with CZS at birth suffer from motor abnormalities (77%-100%), epilepsy (9%-54%), hearing loss, and neurologic impairments. Prenatal ultrasound with advanced neurosonography and appropriate virological follow-up represent the state-of-the art approach to adequately monitor at-risk pregnancies, in order to diagnose early signs of CZS and to inform parents about the neonatal prognosis.

Intracranial calcifications, microcephaly, and seizure. If not congenital infection, what could it be?

Intracranial calcification has a variety of etiologies; among those are environmental and metabolic disturbances involving calcium homeostasis. The main environmental factors resulting in intracranial calcification are congenital infections with toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus. There are increasing reports on cases showing pictures of congenital infection in the absence of confirmative positive TORCH screen, and there are many cases reported worldwide sharing the same presentation labeled as autosomal recessive congenital infection-like syndrome or pseudo-TORCH syndrome (OMIM 600158).

Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Presenting With Purpura Fulminans.

Purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressive syndrome of intravascular thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarction of the skin. The most common infectious etiology is Neisseria meningitidis sepsis, and less commonly it has been documented as a complication of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae In children who are otherwise healthy, splenic dysfunction is a significant predisposing factor for invasive pneumococcal infection. We present the case of a 10-month-old girl with a history of developmental delay, who developed an overwhelming infection complicated by purpura fulminans and was found to have previously undiagnosed Mowat-Wilson syndrome with anatomic asplenia. We propose screening patients with clinical features suggestive of Mowat-Wilson syndrome for asplenia to evaluate the need for additional preventive care.

A Unique Institutional Response to the Zika Virus Epidemic.

In 2015, Zika virus rapidly emerged as a concern for obstetric patients and health care providers as the disease spread geographically and it was discovered that Zika virus infection had the potential to cause devastating birth defects. Essentially overnight, obstetric care providers were faced with an influx of rapidly evolving information and an increased workload. New systems, workflows, and personnel were needed to effectively address the new patient care needs fueled by the burgeoning Zika virus epidemic. The University of California, San Francisco responded by filling a Zika Response Nurse Coordinator position to take on tasks necessary to design a systematic approach for Zika virus management. The Zika Response Coordinator at the University of California, San Francisco serves as a subject matter expert who counsels patients and health care providers, arranges testing and follow-up care after potential Zika virus exposure, and helps design the screening tools, protocols, and educational material needed to manage the evolving Zika virus response. The position has enabled a Zika virus response that has been tightly coordinated, consistent, and thorough without overburdening health care providers. The Zika Response Nurse Coordinator Role serves as a template for how institutions can model coordinated Zika virus care and prepare for future threats that will necessitate a focused and rapid response. Timely institutional financial support is critical for an appropriate response to emerging diseases for not only Zika virus but future epidemics as well.

Microcephaly measurement in adults and its association with clinical variables

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To establish a microcephaly cut-off size in adults using head circumference as an indirect measure of brain size, as well as to explore factors associated with microcephaly via data mining. METHODS In autopsy studies, head circumference was measured with an inelastic tape placed around the skull. Total brain volume was also directly measured. A linear regression was used to determine the association of head circumference with brain volume and clinical variables. Microcephaly was defined as head circumference that were two standard deviations below the mean of significant clinical variables. We further applied an association rule mining to find rules associating microcephaly with several sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS In our sample of 2,508 adults, the mean head circumference was 55.3 ± 2.7cm. Head circumference was related to height, cerebral volume, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). Microcephaly was present in 4.7% of the sample (n = 119). Out of 34,355 association rules, we found significant relationships between microcephaly and a clinical dementia rating (CDR) > 0.5 with an informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) ≥ 3.4 (confidence: 100% and lift: 5.6), between microcephaly and a CDR > 0.5 with age over 70 years (confidence: 42% and lift: 2.4), and microcephaly and males (confidence: 68.1% and lift: 1.3). CONCLUSION Head circumference was related to cerebral volume. Due to its low cost and easy use, head circumference can be used as a screening test for microcephaly, adjusting it for gender and height. Microcephaly was associated with dementia at old age.

Síndrome congênita pelo vírus zika: análise das redes de apoio de pais / Síndrome congénito por el virus del zika: análisis de las redes de apoyo de padres / Congenital zika syndrome: analysis of parent support networks

Resumo Objetivo Compreender o papel das redes de apoio no cuidado de crianças acometidas pela Síndrome Congênita pelo Vírus Zika. Métodos Estudo qualitativo, realizado em Centro de Referência Estadual em Neurodesenvolvimento, no nordeste brasileiro, entre abril de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Participaram pais de crianças com microcefalia atendidos no local. Foram realizadas 18 entrevistas semiestruturadas, sendo três com pai e mãe e 15 somente com mães, totalizando 21 participantes. A amostra foi definida pelo critério de saturação e foi utilizada análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. Resultados Os resultados são apresentados a partir das categorias de análise "rede informal" e "rede formal". A rede de apoio informal, especialmente os avós, exerceu importante suporte emocional e financeiro aos pais. As redes sociais virtuais se destacaram como espaço de compartilhamento de informações e experiências. Quanto à rede de apoio formal, as famílias estabeleceram vínculos mais fortes com profissionais da atenção especializada que ofertaram suporte técnico e acolhimento aos pais e às crianças. Já a atenção primária desempenhou mais o papel de encaminhamento para a atenção especializada. Foram relatados diferentes graus de resolutividade por parte dos municípios, em termos de programas, de atuação de gestores e de profissionais. Conclusão As redes informais e formais atuaram de modo complementar no tratamento e apoio às crianças com Síndrome Congênita pelo Vírus Zika. A inserção em diferentes redes informais possibilitou apoio social para enfrentar o impacto provocado pela doença. Apesar do investimento do Ministério da Saúde na atenção primária foi identificada fragilidade neste nível de atenção.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender el papel de las redes de apoyo en el cuidado de niños afectados por el síndrome congénito por el virus del zika. Métodos Estudio cualitativo, realizado en un Centro de Referencia Regional en Neurodesarrollo, en el nordeste brasileño, entre abril de 2017 y febrero de 2018. Participaron padres de niños con microcefalia atendidos en el lugar. Se realizaron 18 entrevistas semiestructuradas, de las cuales tres fueron con el padre y la madre y 15 solo con madres, un total de 21 participantes. La muestra fue definida por el criterio de saturación y se utilizó análisis de contenido en la modalidad temática. Resultados Los resultados se presentan a partir de las categorías de análisis "red informal" y "red formal". La red de apoyo informal, especialmente los abuelos, ejerció un importante soporte emocional y financiero para los padres. Las redes sociales virtuales se destacaron como un espacio para compartir información y experiencias. Respecto a la red de apoyo formal, las familias establecieron vínculos más fuertes con profesionales de la atención especializada, que ofrecieron soporte técnico y acogida a los padres y a los niños. Por otro lado, la atención primaria cumplió más el papel de derivar a la atención especializada. Se relataron diferentes niveles de resolución de problemas por parte de los municipios, en términos de programas, de actuación de gestores y de profesionales. Conclusión Las redes informales y formales actuaron de modo complementario en el tratamiento y apoyo a niños con síndrome congénito por el virus del zika. La inserción en diferentes redes informales permitió un apoyo social para enfrentar el impacto provocado por la enfermedad. A pesar de las inversiones en atención primaria del Ministerio de Salud, se identificó fragilidad en este nivel de atención.

Abstract Objective To understand the role of support networks in the care of children affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome. Methods This is a qualitative study, conducted at a State Reference Center on Neurodevelopment, in northeastern Brazil, between April 2017 and February 2018. Parents of children with microcephaly treated at the site participated. 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted, three with father and mother and 15 only with mothers, totaling 21 participants. The sample was defined by the saturation criterion and content analysis was used in the thematic modality. Results The results are presented from the categories of analysis "informal network" and "formal network". The informal support network, especially grandparents, exercised important emotional and financial support to parents. Virtual social networks stood out as a space for sharing information and experiences. Regarding the formal support network, the families established stronger bonds with specialized care professionals who offered technical support and care to parents and children. Primary care, on the other, played the role of referral to specialized care. Different degrees of resolution were reported by the municipalities, in terms of programs, the performance of managers and professionals. Conclusion Formal and formal networks acted in a complementary way in the treatment and support of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The insertion in different indirect networks allowed social support to face the impact caused by the disease. Despite the ministry of health's investment in primary care, fragility was identified in this level of care.

Itinerário da criança com microcefalia na rede de atenção à saúde / Itinerario de los ninõs con microcefalia en la red de atencion de salud / Itinerary of children with microcephaly in the health care network

RESUMO Objetivos investigar o itinerário terapêutico de crianças com microcefalia associada ao Zika na rede de atenção à saúde; e descrever a vivência das mães em relação ao itinerário percorrido para o tratamento de seus filhos. Método Estudo norteado pela História Oral Temática, realizado em instituição pública filantrópica do município de João Pessoa-Paraíba. Foram entrevistadas dez mães de crianças com microcefalia entre abril e agosto de 2017. O material empírico foi submetido à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados Os profissionais de saúde têm dificuldade para definir o diagnóstico de crianças com microcefalia, e se encontram despreparados para informá-lo aos pais, comprometendo o itinerário terapêutico dessas crianças. As experiências das mães em busca de tratamento para seus filhos são marcadas por estresse, medo, decepção e pela frágil rede de apoio familiar, resultando em sobrecarga materna. Conclusão e implicações para a prática A reestruturação dos fluxos e contrafluxos da Rede de Atenção à Saúde às crianças com microcefalia e seus familiares torna-se imprescindível, assim como, o fortalecimento da rede de apoio às mães.

RESUMEN Objetivos Investigar el itinerario terapéutico de los niños con microcefalia asociada al Zika en la red de atención de salud; y describir la experiencia de las madres en relación con el itinerario tomado para tratar a sus hijos. Método Estudio guiado por la Historia Oral Temática, realizado en una institución pública filantrópica en la ciudad de João Pessoa-Paraíba. Se entrevistó a diez madres de niños con microcefalia entre abril y agosto de 2017. El material empírico se sometió a análisis de contenido temático. Resultados Los profesionales de la salud tienen dificultades para definir el diagnóstico de niños con microcefalia y no están preparados para informar a los padres, lo que compromete el itinerario terapéutico de estos niños. Las experiencias de las madres que buscan tratamiento para sus hijos están marcadas por el estrés, el miedo, la decepción y la fragilidad de la red de apoyo familiar, lo que resulta en una sobrecarga materna. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica La reestructuración de los flujos y contraflujos de la Red de Atención de Salud para niños con microcefalia y sus familias se vuelve indispensable, así como el fortalecimiento de la red de apoyo para las madres.

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the therapeutic itinerary of children with Zika-associated microcephaly in the health care network; and describe the experience of mothers concerning the itinerary taken to treat their children. Method This study was guided by Thematic Oral History, conducted in a philanthropic public institution in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Ten mothers of children with microcephaly were interviewed from April to August 2017. The empirical material was subjected to thematic content analysis. Results Health professionals have difficulty diagnosing children with microcephaly, and they are not prepared to inform parents, compromising the therapeutic itinerary of these children. The experiences of mothers seeking treatment for their children are marked by stress, fear, disappointment caused by fragile family support network. This results in maternal overload. Conclusion and implications for the practice The restructuring of the flows and counterflows of the Health Care Network for children with microcephaly and their families becomes essential, as well as the strengthening of the support network for mothers.

Special child, special mother: the sense of strength in mothers of children with congenital zika virus syndrome / Hijo especial, madre especial: el sentido de la fuerza de madres de niños con el síndrome congénito por el virus del zika / Filho especial, mãe especial: o sentido da força de mães de crianças com a síndrome congênita do zika vírus

Abstract Objectives: To understand the meanings of having a child with the Congenital Zika virus Syndrome in the experience of women and, from this, what they would say to others who find themselves in the same situation. Method: Qualitative and interpretive study, based on the Model of Resilience, Stress, Adjustment and Family Adaptation proposed by McCubbin and McCubbin. 40 mothers from different cities in the state of Paraiba took part in the study. Results: The meanings found were classified in three thematic categories: the divine force that transforms life of the mothers; patience and love, double feelings as a source of overcoming; and the sense of mother's strength beyond the disease. Conclusion and implication for practice: Caring for a child diagnosed with Congenital Zika virus Syndrome has involved emotional, social, spiritual and economic aspects, as well as a transformation and suffering process. The experiences may contribute to the qualification of healthcare professionals who deal directly with these mothers, and possibly, favor the confrontation and adaptation of them and their families and of the new families that may come to have children with

Resumen Objetivos: Comprender los significados de tener un hijo con el Síndrome Congénito por el Virus del Zika en la experiencia de mujeres y, a partir de esto, qué dirían estas a otras que se encuentren en la misma situación. Método: Estudio cualitativo e interpretativo, fundamentado en el Modelo de Resiliencia, el estrés, el ajuste y la adaptación familiar propuesto por McCubbin y McCubbin. Participaron en la investigación 40 madres de diferentes ciudades del estado de Paraíba. Resultados: Los significados encontrados se clasificaron en tres categorías temáticas: la fuerza divina que transforma la vida de las madres; paciencia y amor, sentimientos duplicados como fuente de superación; y el sentido de la fuerza de las madres más allá de la enfermedad. Conclusión e implicación para la práctica: Cuidar a un hijo con el diagnóstico del Síndrome Congénito por el Virus del Zika involucra aspectos emocionales, sociales, espirituales y económicos, además de un proceso de transformación y sufrimiento. Las experiencias podrán colaborar con la cualificación de la asistencia en salud de los profesionales que tratan directamente con estas madres, y posiblemente esto también favorece la lucha y la adaptación de ellas, de sus familias y de las nuevas que vendrán que puedan llegar a tener hijos con este síndrome.

Resumo Objetivos: Compreender os significados de ter um filho com a Síndrome Congênita do Zika vírus na experiência de mulheres e, a partir disso, o que elas diriam a outras que se encontrem na mesma situação. Método: Estudo qualitativo e interpretativo, fundamentado no Modelo de Resiliência, Estresse, Ajustamento e Adaptação Familiar proposto por McCubbin e McCubbin. Participaram da pesquisa 40 mães de diferentes cidades do estado da Paraíba. Resultados: Os significados encontrados foram classificados em três categorias temáticas: a força divina que transforma a vida das mães; paciência e amor, sentimentos em dobro como fonte de superação; e o sentido da força das mães para além da doença. Conclusão e implicação para a prática: Cuidar de um filho com diagnóstico da Síndrome Congênita do Zika vírus tem envolvido aspectos emocionais, sociais, espirituais e econômicos, além de um processo de transformação e sofrimento. As experiências poderão colaborar com a qualificação da assistência em saúde dos profissionais que lidam diretamente com essas mães, e possivelmente favorecer o enfrentamento e a adaptação delas e de suas famílias e das novas famílias que poderão vir a ter filhos com a síndrome.

Chronology of the First Deciduous Tooth Eruption in Brazilian Children with Microcephaly Associated with Zika Virus: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: To analyze the chronology of first deciduous tooth eruption in children with microcephaly associated with presumed or confirmed Zika virus. Material and Methods: A longitudinal study was developed with 74 children of both sexes. Data on prematurity, gestational age (in weeks), anthropometric characteristics at birth [length (cm), weight (g) and cephalic perimeter (cm)] and dental eruption (chronological age and corrected age for prematurity in months) were collected and presented through descriptive statistics. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: The majority of children were female (54.1%) and 14.9% were born premature. The mean gestational age was 38.2 (± 1.9) weeks, while length, weight and cephalic perimeter at birth were 45.6 (± 3.1) cm, 2750 (± 526.6) and 30 (± 2.3) cm, respectively. The eruption of the first tooth occurred on average at 12.3 (± 3.0) months of chronological age and at 11.1 (± 2.3) months of corrected age. The first erupted teeth were the lower deciduous central incisors (82.4%). The mean age for dental eruption in males was 12.5 months (± 3.0) and in females 12.0 months (± 3.1) among full-term children. For premature infants, the mean corrected age of dental eruption was 11.5 months (± 3.4) for boys and 11 months (± 1.7) for girls. Conclusion: In this group of children with microcephaly, the first tooth to erupt was the lower central incisor around the first year of life. Girls had lower average eruption time when compared to boys in both chronological age and age corrected for prematurity.

Vivências de mães que tiveram filhos com microcefalia / Experiencias de madres que tuvieron hijos con microcefalia / Experiences of mothers who had children with microcephaly

Objetivo compreender as vivências de mães que tiveram filhos com microcefalia. Método estudo qualitativo realizado com oito mulheres, maiores de 18 anos. Foi aplicada a técnica da entrevista semiestruturada em abril de 2017. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados emergiram três categorias analíticas: a vivência do diagnóstico da microcefalia: ótica de mães; encontros e (des)encontros dos pais e da família no cuidado à criança com microcefalia; aprendizado com os desafios da microcefalia. As falas revelaram a força de vontade e a determinação das mães no enfrentamento das dificuldades, apesar da vivência marcada por expressões de sofrimento e dor. Conclusão a situação vivenciada por mães que tiveram filhos com microcefalia gera incertezas em relação ao futuro do filho, altera a dinâmica familiar, a relação do casal, o rendimento financeiro e determina a opção de abandonar o trabalho profissional para cuidar do filho.

Objetivo comprender las experiencias de las madres que tuvieron hijos con microcefalia. Método estudio cualitativo realizado con ocho mujeres, mayores de 18 años. Se aplicó la técnica de entrevista semiestructurada en abril de 2017. Para analizar los datos, se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados emergieron tres categorías analíticas: la experiencia del diagnóstico de microcefalia: punto de vista de las madres; encuentros y (des)encuentros de los padres y de la familia en el cuidado del niño con microcefalia; aprendizaje con los desafíos de la microcefalia. Los relatos revelaron la fuerza de voluntad y la determinación de las madres al enfrentar las dificultades, a pesar de la experiencia marcada por expresiones de sufrimiento y dolor. Conclusión La situación vivida por las madres que tuvieron hijos con microcefalia genera incertidumbres relacionadas al futuro del hijo, altera la dinámica familiar, la relación de la pareja, el rendimiento financiero y determina la opción de abandonar el trabajo profesional para cuidar al hijo.

Objective understand the experiences of mothers who had children with microcephaly. Method this is a qualitative study carried out with eight women aged 18 years and older. The semi-structured interview technique was applied in April 2017. For the analysis of the data, the technique of content analysis was used. Results three analytical categories emerged: the experience of the diagnosis of microcephaly: mothers' optics; encounters and disagreements of the parents and the family in the care of the child with microcephaly; learning with the challenges of microcephaly. The speeches revealed the willpower and determination of the mothers in facing the difficulties, despite the experience marked by expressions of suffering and pain. Conclusion the situation experienced by mothers who had children with microcephaly generates uncertainties regarding the future of the child, changes the family dynamics, the relationship of the couple, and the income, and defines the option to abandon the professional work to take care of the child.

Caracterização inovadora da morfologia da cabeça de bebês nascidos com o vírus zika: uma inovação metodológica para amplas aplicações clínicas / Novel characterization of head morphology of infants born with Zika Virus: a methodological innovation for broad clinical applications

Introdução: A epidemia do vírus Zika em 2016 constituiu uma emergência de saúde pública, com o chamando da OMS para vigilância reforçada na detecção precoce de microcefalia relacionada às condições neurológicas. Métodos: Quarenta e quatro crianças infectadas pelo vírus Zika foram avaliadas e comparadas com crianças saudáveis com o objetivo de identificar as medidas mais confiáveis do formato e tamanho da cabeça, explorando o relacionamento entre fenótipo craniofacial e anormalidades cerebrais. A análise de componentes principais (ACP) foi utilizada para identificar padrões de variação na morfologia craniofacial. As seguintes medições adicionais da abóboda craniana foram realizadas; altura cefálica (AC), comprimento cefálico (ComC), circunferência cefálica (CC) e ângulo naso-frontal (ANF). O nível de anormalidade cerebral presente nas tomografias, a gravidade da perda de volume do parênquima cerebral e ventriculomegalia foram classificadas como leve, moderada ou grave. Resultados: Os 12 primeiros componentes principais das abóbodas analisadas explicaram 91% da variação da abóboda craniana. Correlações significativas foram detectadas entre a pontuação do segundo CP da abóbada craniana e CC (+0,66), AC (+0,87), ComC (+0,80) e ANF (-0,48). Conclusão: Este estudo recomenda mensurar a AC em pacientes com infecção pelo vírus Zika, em vez de CC como recomendado pela OMS, para melhorar a sensibilidade e especificidade da detecção precoce(AU)

Background: The 2016 Zika virus epidemic constituted a public health emergency, with the WHO calling for strengthened surveillance for the early detection of related microcephaly and associated neurological conditions. Methods: We analysed 44 Zika infected infants and matched controls to identify the most reliable measurements of head shape and size and explore the relationship between craniofacial phenotype and brain abnormalities. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify patterns of variation in the craniofacial morphology of Zika cases relative to controls. We carried out the following additional measurements of the cranial vault, the head circumference (HC), head height (HH), head length (HL) and naso-frontal-angle (NFA). The level of brain abnormality present in the CT scans, mainly the severity of parenchymal volume loss and ventriculomegaly, was classified as being mild, moderate or severe. Results: The first 12 PCs of the vaults we analysed explained 91% of the variation of the cranial vault between Zika cases and controls. Significant correlations were detected between the score of the 2nd PC of the cranial vault and HC (+0.66); HH (+0.87); HL (+0.80) and NFA (-0.48). Conclusion: We recommend measuring HH in Zika patients, rather than HC as recommended by WHO, to improve the sensitivity and specificity of early detection(AU)

Screening, assessment and management of neonates and infants with complications associated with Zika virus exposure in utero / Évaluation des nouveau-nés atteints de microcéphalie dans le contexte du virus Zika / Evaluación del lactante con microcefalia en el contexto del brote de virus de Zika / Avaliação de bebés com microcefalia no contexto do vírus Zika

This Rapid Advice Guideline updates the Interim Guidance on the "Assessment of infants with microcephaly in the context of Zika virus" published in February 2016 (WHO/ZIKV/MOC/16.3). The recommendations provides guidance on the screening, clinical assessment, neuroimaging, laboratory investigation and follow-up of children born to women living in areas of Zika virus transmission. The Guideline summarises the evidence base and rationale in support of the recommendations and expands the scope to address complications beyond microcephaly and what is now referred to as the congenital Zika virus syndrome.

On parle de microcéphalie lorsqu'un enfant naît avec une tête plus petite que la normale par rapport aux nouveau-nés du même âge et du même sexe. Il s'agit d'une manifestation clinique, et non d'une maladie en tant que telle. Les nouveau-nés atteints de microcéphalie présentent un risque de retard du développement et de déficience intellectuelle. Ces lignes directrices s'adressent principalement aux professionnels de la santé qui dispensent directement des soins aux nouveau-nés et à leur famille, en particulier les pédiatres, les médecins généralistes, les sages-femmes et le personnel infirmier. Elles seront également utiles aux personnes responsables de l'élaboration des protocoles et politiques sanitaires aux niveaux local et national, ainsi qu'aux administrateurs des programmes pour la santé de la mère, du nouveau-né et de l'enfant dans les régions touchées par le virus Zika.

Los bebés que sufren microcefalia tienen una cabeza de un tamaño inferior a los demás bebés de su misma edad y sexo. No se trata de una enfermedad, sino de un signo clínico. Los bebés que nacen con microcefalia pueden presentar retraso del desarrollo neurológico y discapacidad intelectual, así como convulsiones y discapacidades físicas, como deficiencias auditivas y visuales. No obstante, el desarrollo neurológico de algunos de estos lactantes no se ve afectado. En el presente documento se brinda una orientación provisional sobre los criterios de medición del perímetro cefálico, los patrones de crecimiento que se deben utilizar como referencia, la evaluación clínica y las pruebas y exploraciones necesarias para diagnosticar la microcefalia y las alteraciones neurológicas que puede ocasionar.