Evaluation and monitoring of eye findings in children exposed to Zika virus during gestation: 3 years of follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is a recently described disease. Our main objective was to evaluate and monitor, over 3 years, the ophthalmoscopic findings in children exposed to zika virus (ZIKV) during gestation. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between April 2016 and May 2019. We evaluated two groups with exanthema serving as a proxy for viremia: (i) children whose mothers had exanthema during pregnancy and (ii) children who had microcephaly without maternal exanthema during pregnancy. We performed indirect ophthalmoscopy at recruitment and every 6 months thereafter. We also tested the association between ocular findings with maternal exanthema, microcephaly, CZS and maternal infection confirmed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and gender. RESULTS: Of the 72 children included, 16 (22.2%) had optic nerve and/or retinal lesions. All 16 had CZS and 15 (93.7%) had microcephaly (14 at birth and 1 postnatally). The child with postnatally acquired microcephaly was born to a mother without exanthema during pregnancy. Fifty-six (77.8%) of the 72 children were followed for a median time of 24 months and none exhibited differences between admission and follow-up examinations. After logistic regression, only microcephaly at birth was associated with eye abnormalities (odds ratio, 77.015; 95% confidence interval, 8.85-670.38; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We observed that there was no progression of the lesions over the follow-up period. We also showed that the eye findings were associated only with microcephaly at birth. Attention should be paid to all children born during a ZIKV epidemic, regardless of maternal exanthema and/or microcephaly at birth.

ZIKA Virus Neutralizing Antibody Kinetics in Antenatally Exposed Infants.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with severe congenital abnormalities and laboratory diagnosis of antenatal infection is difficult. Here we evaluated ZIKV neutralizing antibody (nAb) kinetics in infants born to mothers with PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy. METHODS: Neonates (n = 98) had serum specimens tested repeatedly for ZIKV nAb over the first 2 years of life using virus neutralization test (VNT). ZIKV neonatal infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in blood or urine and/or presence of ZIKV IgM antibodies, and results were correlated with infant clinical features. RESULTS: Postnatal laboratory evidence of ZIKV vertical transmission was obtained for 60.2% of children, while 32.7% exhibited clinical abnormalities. Congenital abnormalities were found in 37.3% of children with confirmed ZIKV infection and 31.0% of children without confirmed infection (P = .734). All but 1 child displayed a physiologic decline in ZIKV nAb, reflecting maternal antibody decay, despite an early ZIKV-IgM response in one-third of infants. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with antenatal ZIKV exposure do not develop ZIKV nAb despite an early IgM response. Therefore, ZIKV VNT in children is not useful for diagnosis of congenital infection. In light of these findings, it remains to be determined if children infected in utero are potentially susceptible to reinfection.

[Depression, anxiety, stress, and social support: a cross-sectional study with caregivers of visually impaired children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Views-QoL Study]. / Depressão, ansiedade, estresse e apoio social: estudo transversal com cuidadores de crianças com deficiência visual no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil - Views-QoL Study.

We aimed to identify the reports of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers of children without visual impairment, with low vision, and with blindness and their relationship with the degree of social, emotional, material, and affective support. This cross-sectional and multicenter study was conducted in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2019 to 2020. A questionnaire was applied to obtain caregivers' sociodemographic and economic data. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS) and The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. Tests were used for multiple comparisons of these scales. The prevalence ratio of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was estimated. Of all caregivers (N = 355), more than 90% were women-mothers. Caregivers of children with visual impairment show the highest proportion of no schooling, incomplete elementary education, or lower average monthly income. Most caregivers of children with blindness reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (66.7%, 73.3%, and 80%, respectively) as did those of children with low vision. The evaluation of the relationship between MOS-SSS and DASS-21 results shows greater support and lower scores of reports of depression, anxiety, and stress for caregivers of children without disabilities or with less visual impairment. For caregivers of blind children, the highest prevalence of such reports was independent of the received support. Results indicate the need for a care policy with mechanisms to protect the mental health of caregivers of visually impaired children.

O objetivo foi identificar os relatos de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse entre cuidadores de crianças sem deficiência visual, com baixa visão e com cegueira e sua relação com o grau de apoio social, emocional, material e afetivo. Estudo transversal e multicêntrico, realizado no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2019 e 2020. Aplicou-se um questionário para obter dados sociodemográficos e econômicos do cuidador. Foram utilizadas a Escala de Apoio Social (The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale - MOS-SSS) e a Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21). Na comparação entre as escalas, foram utilizados testes para comparações múltiplas. Estimou-se a razão de prevalência de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Do total de cuidadores (N = 355), mais de 90% eram mulheres-mães e a maior proporção de cuidadores sem instrução ou Ensino Fundamental incompleto e com menor renda média mensal foi daqueles de crianças com deficiência visual. A maioria dos cuidadores de crianças com cegueira relatou sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse (respectivamente, 66,7%, 73,3% e 80%), mesmo comportamento observado no grupo de cuidadores de crianças com baixa visão. Na avaliação da relação entre os resultados das escalas MOS-SSS e DASS-21, entre os cuidadores de crianças sem deficiência ou com menor comprometimento visual, observou-se maiores apoios e menores escores de relatos de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Entre os cuidadores de crianças cegas, as maiores prevalências não dependeram dos apoios recebidos. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de uma política de cuidado com mecanismos de proteção à saúde mental dos cuidadores de crianças com deficiência visual.

El objetivo fue identificar los relatos de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés entre cuidadores de niños sin discapacidad visual, con baja visión y con ceguera y su relación con el grado de apoyo social, emocional, material y afectivo. Estudio transversal y multicéntrico realizado en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, entre el 2019 y el 2020. Se aplicó un cuestionario para obtener datos sociodemográficos y económicos del cuidador. Se utilizaron la Escala de Apoyo Social (The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale - MOS-SSS) y Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21). Al comparar las escalas, se utilizaron pruebas para comparaciones múltiples. Se estimó la razón de prevalencia de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Del total de cuidadores (N = 355), más del 90% eran mujeres madres y la mayor proporción de cuidadores sin escolaridad o con primaria incompleta y con menor ingreso mensual promedio fueron los de niños con discapacidad visual. La mayoría de los cuidadores de niños con ceguera reportó síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés, respectivamente, 66,7%, 73,3% y 80%, mismo comportamiento observado en el grupo de cuidadores de niños con baja visión. Al evaluar la relación entre los resultados de las escalas MOS-SSS y DASS-21, entre los cuidadores de niños sin discapacidad o con menor compromiso visual, se observó mayor apoyo y menores puntajes de relatos de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Entre los cuidadores de niños ciegos, la mayor prevalencia de tales relatos no dependió del apoyo recibido. Los resultados indican la necesidad de una Política de Cuidado con mecanismos para proteger la salud mental de los cuidadores de niños con discapacidad visual.

Evaluation of childhood cataract characteristics at a tertiary referral center.

PURPOSE: To examine the epidemiological characteristics of children undergoing cataract surgery at a referral center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, as well as the facts surrounding treatment delays. METHODS: In this transversal observational study, 240 operated eyes from 178 children undergoing cataract surgery were reviewed. The following aspects were analyzed: epidemiological and clinical characteristics, parental observations, red reflex test, operated eye, and age at cataract diagnosis and surgery. RESULTS: The mean ages at the first visit and cataract surgery were 48.9 months (SD=50.0 months) and 64.5 months (SD= 55.4 months), respectively. The most critical sign adverted by parents was leukocoria. The red reflex test was performed on two-thirds of the children, with abnormal results in 28.0%. A family history of cataracts was evident in 30 (20,9%) children (n=144). Previous ocular surgery was found in 37 (16,6%) of the eyes (n=223), anterior segment disorders in 20 (9,0%) eyes (n=221), strabismus in 21 (9,5%) of the eyes (n=220), and nystagmus in 38 (24,4%) of the children (n=156). CONCLUSIONS: One of the causes for the delay in admission may have been the failure to complete the red reflex. In terms of etiology, heredity was the most crucial component. The presence of strabismus and nystagmus in many of these children points to late diagnosis. The most significant impediments to adequate cataract treatment in children were the lack of referral programs and children's specialized ophthalmologic centers, in addition to the restricted number of support professionals trained in the field and pediatric ophthalmology specialists.

Visual Acuity alterations in heavily impaired Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) children.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess visual acuity (VA) in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS)-children to evaluate visual loss. To that end we evaluated 41 CZS - children, from Rio de Janeiro using Teller Acuity Cards. Methods: To asses VA, we evaluated 41 CZS - children, from Rio de Janeiro using Teller Acuity Cards. The children had Zika virus-infection confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or clinical evaluation. Results: In 39 out of 41 (95%) children, the VA scores were below normative values, while in 10 cases, VA was only marginally below normal; in the remaining 29 cases, VA was more than 0.15 logMAR below the lower limit. There was no correlation between VA and the cognitive domain tasks, although there was a correlation between VA and motor domain tasks. Thirty-seven children performed at least one task in the cognitive set, while fourteen children did not perform any task in the motor set. Children with VA above the lower limit performed better in the cognitive and motor tasks. Discussion: We concluded that ZIKV- infected children with CZS were highly VA impaired which correlated with motor performance, but not with cognitive performance. Part of the children had VA within the normal limits and displayed better performance in the cognitive and motor sets. Therefore, even if heavily impaired, most children had some degree of VA and visual function.

Acquired Hip Dysplasia in Children with Congenital Zika Virus Infection in the First Four Years of Life.

Acquired hip dysplasia has been described in children with cerebral palsy (CP); periodic surveillance is recommended in this population to prevent hip displacement and dislocation. Children with congenital zika syndrome (CZS) may present a spectrum of neurological impairments with changes in tonus, posture, and movement similar to children with CP. However, the relationship between CZS and hip dysplasia has not been characterized. In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to describe the occurrence of hip dysplasia in patients with CZS. Sixty-four children with CZS from 6 to 48 months of age were included and followed at a tertiary referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with periodic radiologic and clinical hip assessments. Twenty-six (41%) patients were diagnosed with hip dysplasia during follow-up; mean age at diagnosis was 23 months. According to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), 58 (91%) patients had severe impairment (GMFCS IV and V) at the first evaluation. All patients with progression to hip dysplasia had microcephaly and were classified as GMFCS IV or V. Pain and functional limitation were reported by 22 (84%) caregivers of children with hip dysplasia. All patients were referred to specialized orthopedic care; eight (31%) underwent surgical treatment during follow-up. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing a hip surveillance program and improving access to orthopedic treatment for children with CZS in order to decrease the chances of dysplasia-related complications and improve quality of life.

Anthropometric Parameters of Children with Congenital Zika Virus Exposure in the First Three Years of Life.

Little is known about the impact of congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure on growth in the first years of life. In this prospective cohort study,201 ZIKV antenatally-exposed children were followed at a tertiary referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eighty-seven were classified as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) patients and 114 as not congenital Zika syndrome (NCZS); growth parameters were described and compared between groups and with WHO standard growth curves. Thirty-four (39%) newborns with CZS and seven (6%) NCZS were small for gestational age (p < 0.001). NCZS mean weight measures ranged from −0.45 ± 0.1 to 0.27 ± 0.2 standard deviations (SD) from the WHO growth curve median during follow-up, versus −1.84 ± 0.2 to −2.15 ± 0.2 SD for the CZS group (p < 0.001). Length mean z-scores varied from −0.3 ± 0.1 at 1 month to 0.17 ± 0.2 SD between 31 and 36 months in the NCZS group, versus −2.3 ± 0.3 to −2.0 ± 0.17 SD in the CZS group (p < 0.001). Weight/height (W/H) and BMI z-scores reached -1.45 ± 0.2 SD in CZS patients between 31 and 36 months, versus 0.23 ± 0.2 SD in the NCZS group (p < 0.01). Between 25 and 36 months of age, more than 50% of the 70 evaluated CZS children were below weight and height limits; 36 (37.1%) were below the W/H cut-off. Gastrostomy was performed in 23 (26%) children with CZS. During the first three years of life, CZS patients had severe and early growth deficits, while growth of NCZS children was normal by WHO standards.

Brazilian guidelines on the frequency of ophthalmic assessment and recommended examinations in healthy children younger than 5 years.

PURPOSE: To provide guidance on the frequency and components of eye examinations for healthy children aged 0 to 5 years. METHODS: These guidelines were developed based on the medical literature and clinical experience of an expert committee. PubMed/Medline searches were performed, with selected publications not restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, or observational studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profile was applied when suitable, and for issues without scientific evidence, recommendations were based on expert consensus. Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society were also reviewed. The final guideline document was approved by the Brazilian Pediatric Ophthalmology Society and by the Brazilian Pediatric Society. RESULTS: Newborns must undergo the red reflex test and inspection of the eyes and adnexa by a pediatrician within 72 hours of life. The red reflex test should be repeated by the pediatrician during childcare consultations at least three times per year during the first 3 years of life. If feasible, a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination may be performed between 6 and 12 months of age. Until 36 months of age, the pediatrician should assess the infant's visual development milestones, age-appropriate assessment of visual function, ocular fixation, and eye alignment. At least one comprehensive ophthalmologic examination should be performed at 3 to 5 years of age. The examination should minimally include inspection of the eyes and adnexa, age-appropriate visual function assessment, evaluations of ocular motility and alignment (cover tests), cycloplegic refraction, and dilated fundus. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines concerning the frequency of ophthalmic assessment are important tools for directing physicians regarding best practices that avoid treatable vision problems that affect children's development, school, and social performance and cause unnecessary permanent vision loss.

Evaluation of childhood cataract characteristics at a tertiary referral center / Características de catarata na infância em um centro de referência terciário

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the epidemiological characteristics of children undergoing cataract surgery at a referral center in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, as well as the facts surrounding treatment delays. Methods: In this transversal observational study, 240 operated eyes from 178 children undergoing cataract surgery were reviewed. The following aspects were analyzed: epidemiological and clinical characteristics, parental observations, red reflex test, operated eye, and age at cataract diagnosis and surgery. Results: The mean ages at the first visit and cataract surgery were 48.9 months (SD=50.0 months) and 64.5 months (SD= 55.4 months), respectively. The most critical sign adverted by parents was leukocoria. The red reflex test was performed on two-thirds of the children, with abnormal results in 28.0%. A family history of cataracts was evident in 30 (20,9%) children (n=144). Previous ocular surgery was found in 37 (16,6%) of the eyes (n=223), anterior segment disorders in 20 (9,0%) eyes (n=221), strabismus in 21 (9,5%) of the eyes (n=220), and nystagmus in 38 (24,4%) of the children (n=156). Conclusions: One of the causes for the delay in admission may have been the failure to complete the red reflex. In terms of etiology, heredity was the most crucial component. The presence of strabismus and nystagmus in many of these children points to late diagnosis. The most significant impediments to adequate cataract treatment in children were the lack of referral programs and children's specialized ophthalmologic centers, in addition to the restricted number of support professionals trained in the field and pediatric ophthalmology specialists.

RESUMO Objetivos: Rever características epidemiológicas de crianças submetidas a cirurgia de catarata, em centro de referência no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e fatos associados a atrasos no tratamento. Métodos: Um total de 240 olhos submetidos a cirurgia de catarata, em 178 crianças, foram revisados neste estudo transversal observacional. Os seguintes aspectos foram analisados: características clínicas e epidemiológicas, sinais apontados pelos pais, teste do reflexo vermelho, olho operado e idade no diagnóstico e na cirurgia. Resultados: A média de idades na primeira visita e cirurgia de catarata foi de 48.9 meses (DP=50,0 meses) e 64.5 meses (DP=55.4 meses), respectivamente. O sinal mais importante apontado pelos pais foi a leucocoria. O teste do reflexo vermelho foi realizado em dois terços das crianças com resultados anormais em 28%. Histórico familiar de catarata foi evidente em 30 (20,9%) crianças (n=144). Os achados mais prevalentes em termos de histórico de problemas oculares foram: cirurgias oculares prévias em 37 (16,6%) olhos (n= 223), alterações do segmento anterior em 20 (9,0%) olhos (n=221), estrabismo em 21 (9,5%) olhos (n=220) e nistagmo em 38 (24,4%) crianças (n=156). Conclusões: Uma das causas para o atraso na admissão pode ter sido a falha em realizar o teste do reflexo vermelho, apesar de não ter sido possível verificar se todas as crianças foram submetidas ao exame. A hereditariedade foi o fator mais importante quanto à causa da catarata nessas crianças. A presença de estrabismo e nistagmo mais uma vez aponta para o diagnóstico tardio. Ausência de programas de referência e centros oftalmológicos especializados em crianças, além do número restrito de profissionais de apoio treinados na área e especialistas em oftalmologia pediátrica, foram as barreiras mais importantes para o tratamento adequado da catarata em crianças.

Depressão, ansiedade, estresse e apoio social: estudo transversal com cuidadores de crianças com deficiência visual no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil - Views-QoL Study / Depression, anxiety, stress, and social support: a cross-sectional study with caregivers of visually impaired children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Views-QoL Study / Depresión, ansiedad, estrés y apoyo social: estudio transversal con cuidadores de niños con discapacidad visual en Río de Janeiro, Brasil - Views-QoL Study

Resumo: O objetivo foi identificar os relatos de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse entre cuidadores de crianças sem deficiência visual, com baixa visão e com cegueira e sua relação com o grau de apoio social, emocional, material e afetivo. Estudo transversal e multicêntrico, realizado no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2019 e 2020. Aplicou-se um questionário para obter dados sociodemográficos e econômicos do cuidador. Foram utilizadas a Escala de Apoio Social (The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale - MOS-SSS) e a Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21). Na comparação entre as escalas, foram utilizados testes para comparações múltiplas. Estimou-se a razão de prevalência de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Do total de cuidadores (N = 355), mais de 90% eram mulheres-mães e a maior proporção de cuidadores sem instrução ou Ensino Fundamental incompleto e com menor renda média mensal foi daqueles de crianças com deficiência visual. A maioria dos cuidadores de crianças com cegueira relatou sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse (respectivamente, 66,7%, 73,3% e 80%), mesmo comportamento observado no grupo de cuidadores de crianças com baixa visão. Na avaliação da relação entre os resultados das escalas MOS-SSS e DASS-21, entre os cuidadores de crianças sem deficiência ou com menor comprometimento visual, observou-se maiores apoios e menores escores de relatos de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Entre os cuidadores de crianças cegas, as maiores prevalências não dependeram dos apoios recebidos. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de uma política de cuidado com mecanismos de proteção à saúde mental dos cuidadores de crianças com deficiência visual.

Abstract: We aimed to identify the reports of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers of children without visual impairment, with low vision, and with blindness and their relationship with the degree of social, emotional, material, and affective support. This cross-sectional and multicenter study was conducted in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2019 to 2020. A questionnaire was applied to obtain caregivers' sociodemographic and economic data. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS) and The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. Tests were used for multiple comparisons of these scales. The prevalence ratio of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was estimated. Of all caregivers (N = 355), more than 90% were women-mothers. Caregivers of children with visual impairment show the highest proportion of no schooling, incomplete elementary education, or lower average monthly income. Most caregivers of children with blindness reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (66.7%, 73.3%, and 80%, respectively) as did those of children with low vision. The evaluation of the relationship between MOS-SSS and DASS-21 results shows greater support and lower scores of reports of depression, anxiety, and stress for caregivers of children without disabilities or with less visual impairment. For caregivers of blind children, the highest prevalence of such reports was independent of the received support. Results indicate the need for a care policy with mechanisms to protect the mental health of caregivers of visually impaired children.

Resumen: El objetivo fue identificar los relatos de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés entre cuidadores de niños sin discapacidad visual, con baja visión y con ceguera y su relación con el grado de apoyo social, emocional, material y afectivo. Estudio transversal y multicéntrico realizado en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, entre el 2019 y el 2020. Se aplicó un cuestionario para obtener datos sociodemográficos y económicos del cuidador. Se utilizaron la Escala de Apoyo Social (The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale - MOS-SSS) y Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21). Al comparar las escalas, se utilizaron pruebas para comparaciones múltiples. Se estimó la razón de prevalencia de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Del total de cuidadores (N = 355), más del 90% eran mujeres madres y la mayor proporción de cuidadores sin escolaridad o con primaria incompleta y con menor ingreso mensual promedio fueron los de niños con discapacidad visual. La mayoría de los cuidadores de niños con ceguera reportó síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés, respectivamente, 66,7%, 73,3% y 80%, mismo comportamiento observado en el grupo de cuidadores de niños con baja visión. Al evaluar la relación entre los resultados de las escalas MOS-SSS y DASS-21, entre los cuidadores de niños sin discapacidad o con menor compromiso visual, se observó mayor apoyo y menores puntajes de relatos de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Entre los cuidadores de niños ciegos, la mayor prevalencia de tales relatos no dependió del apoyo recibido. Los resultados indican la necesidad de una Política de Cuidado con mecanismos para proteger la salud mental de los cuidadores de niños con discapacidad visual.

Prevalence of IgG Autoantibodies against GD3 Ganglioside in Acute Zika Virus Infection.

Zika virus (ZIKV) disease has become a global health emergency with devastating effects on public health. Recent evidences implicate the virus as an emergent neuropathological agent promoting serious pathologies of the human nervous system, that include destructive and malformation consequences such as development of ocular and fetal brain lesions, microcephaly in neonates, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in adults. These neurological disorders of both central and peripheral nervous systems are thought to be associated to the neurotropic properties of the virus that has ability to infect neural stem cells as well as peripheral neurons, a hallmark of its pathogenicity. The presence of autoantibodies against gangliosides plays a pivotal role in the etiogenesis of GBS and a variety of neurological disorders. Gangliosides are a class of galactose-containing cerebrosides mainly expressed in nervous system tissues playing a critical role in the physiology of neural cells and neurogenesis. Herein, our findings indicate that patients at acute phase of ZIKV infection without any neurological signs show increased levels of IgG autoantibody against GD3 gangliosides, a class of glycolipid found to be highly expressed in neural stem cell acting in the maintenance of their self-renewal cellular capacity. It is possible that a pathological threshold of these antibodies is only acquired in secondary or subsequent infections. In the light of these evidences, we propose that the target of GD3 by autoimmune responses may possibly has an effect in the neuropathy and neurogenesis disorder seen during ZIKV infection.

Hearing screening analysis in children exposed to the Zika virus / Análise da triagem auditiva de crianças expostas ao vírus Zika

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the results of neonatal hearing screening examinations in newborns with and without microcephaly, exposed to the Zika virus, without other risk indicators for hearing loss, and verify the association between screening results, sample characteristics, and the gestational trimester when exposure took place. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study. Subjects included in the study had no risk indicator for hearing loss other than microcephaly, and presented, along with their mothers, positive RT-PCR results, respectively at birth and during pregnancy. The transient evoked otoacoustic emission and brainstem auditory evoked potential examinations were applied by the researcher between March 2016 and December 2017. Newborns failed the screening when they failed at least one retest in at least one ear. The data were descriptively analyzed, using the Fisher exact test; p-values equal to or lower than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: out of the 45 subjects, 30 (66.7%) were females, 6.7% were likely to have sensorineural hearing loss, with or without auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder - which was possibly present in only one ear of one of these three subjects. Failure in the screening was statistically significant in subjects with at least one of the congenital Zika syndrome characteristics and subjects with subcortical calcification and brain cortex thinning, macular chorioretinal atrophy with focal pigmentary mottling, and hypertonia with symptoms of extrapyramidal involvement. The gestational trimester of exposure was associated with screening results. Conclusion: the responses in screening point to the possibility of hearing loss in newborns with and without microcephaly, whereas the presence of microcephaly was not significant to examination failures. Exposure in the first gestational trimester indicated a possible relationship with screening failures.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os resultados dos exames de triagem auditiva neonatal de recém-nascidos sem e com microcefalia expostos ao vírus Zika, que não apresentaram outros indicadores de risco para deficiência auditiva e verificar a associação entre o resultado da triagem, as características da amostra e o trimestre gestacional em que ocorreu a exposição. Métodos: estudo descritivo de corte transversal. Fizeram parte do estudo sujeitos sem indicadores de risco para deficiência auditiva, com exceção da microcefalia, cujas mães apresentaram na gestação o exame RT-PCR positivo e sujeitos que tiveram o RT-PCR positivo, ao nascimento. Os exames de Emissões Otoacústicas Transientes e Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico foram aplicados, pela pesquisadora, entre março de 2016 e dezembro de 2017. O recém-nato foi considerado reprovado na triagem quando apresentou falha em pelo menos um reteste, em ao menos uma orelha. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e utilizando-se o teste estatístico exato de Fisher, p valor menor ou igual a 0,05 foi considerado significante. Resultados: dos 45 sujeitos, 30 (66,7%) eram do sexo feminino, 6,7% apresentaram a probabilidade de alteração do tipo sensorioneural, com ou sem espectro da neuropatia auditiva e somente um dentre esses três sujeitos apresentou uma das orelhas com chance do espectro da neuropatia auditiva, isoladamente. A falha na triagem foi estatisticamente significativa, nos sujeitos que apresentavam pelo menos uma característica da Síndrome da Zika Congênita e nos sujeitos com calcificação subcortical com afilamento do córtex cerebral, atrofia coriorretiniana macular com moteado pigmentar focal e hipertonia com sintomas de envolvimento extrapiramidal. Houve associação do trimestre gestacional da exposição com o resultado de triagem. Conclusão: as respostas verificadas pela triagem apontam para a possibilidade de alteração auditiva em recém-nascidos sem e com microcefalia, onde a presença da microcefalia não foi significante para falha nos exames. A exposição no primeiro trimestre gestacional indicou uma possível relação com falhas na triagem.

Brazilian guidelines on the frequency of ophthalmic assessment and recommended examinations in healthy children younger than 5 years / Diretrizes brasileiras sobre avaliação oftalmológica de crianças saudáveis menores de 5 anos: exames recomendados e frequência

ABSTRACT Purpose: To provide guidance on the frequency and components of eye examinations for healthy children aged 0 to 5 years. Methods: These guidelines were developed based on the medical literature and clinical experience of an expert committee. PubMed/Medline searches were performed, with selected publications not restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, or observational studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profile was applied when suitable, and for issues without scientific evidence, recommendations were based on expert consensus. Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society were also reviewed. The final guideline document was approved by the Brazilian Pediatric Ophthalmology Society and by the Brazilian Pediatric Society. Results: Newborns must undergo the red reflex test and inspection of the eyes and adnexa by a pediatrician within 72 hours of life. The red reflex test should be repeated by the pediatrician during childcare consultations at least three times per year during the first 3 years of life. If feasible, a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination may be performed between 6 and 12 months of age. Until 36 months of age, the pediatrician should assess the infant's visual development milestones, age-appropriate assessment of visual function, ocular fixation, and eye alignment. At least one comprehensive ophthalmologic examination should be performed at 3 to 5 years of age. The examination should minimally include inspection of the eyes and adnexa, age-appropriate visual function assessment, evaluations of ocular motility and alignment (cover tests), cycloplegic refraction, and dilated fundus. Conclusions: Guidelines concerning the frequency of ophthalmic assessment are important tools for directing physicians regarding best practices that avoid treatable vision problems that affect children's development, school, and social performance and cause unnecessary permanent vision loss.

RESUMO Objetivo: Fornecer orientações sobre a frequência e os componentes dos exames oftalmológicos para crianças saudáveis de 0 a 5 anos. Métodos: Essas diretrizes foram desenvolvidas com base em revisão bibliográfica e experiência clínica de um comitê de especialistas. Foram realizadas buscas PubMed/Medline; documentos selecionados não se restringiram a revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados e estudos observacionais. Quando adequado, o perfil GRADE foi aplicado para graduá-los e o consenso de especialistas foi usado nos tópicos sem evidência científica. Também foram revisadas as recomendações pela Academia Americana de Pediatria, Associação Americana de Oftalmologia Pediátrica e Estrabismo, Academia Americana de Oftalmologia, Royal College of Ophthalmologist e Sociedade Canadense de Oftalmologia. O documento final foi aprovado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmologia Pediátrica e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Resultados: Os recém-nascidos devem ser submetidos ao teste do reflexo vermelho e inspeção dos olhos e anexos pelo pediatra dentro de 72 horas de vida ou antes da alta da maternidade. O teste do reflexo vermelho deve ser repetido pelo pediatra durante as consultas de puericultura pelo menos três vezes ao ano durante os primeiros 3 anos de vida. Se factível, um exame oftalmológico completo pode ser feito entre 6 a 12 meses de vida. Até os 36 meses de idade, os marcos visuais, função visual apropriada para a idade, fixação e alinhamento ocular também devem ser avaliados pelo pediatra ou médico da família. Pelo menos um exame oftalmológico completo deve ser realizados entre 3 e 5 anos de idade. O exame deve conter pelo menos inspeção dos olhos e anexos, avaliação da função visual apropriada para a idade, avaliação da motilidade e alinhamento ocular (testes de cobertura), refração sob cicloplegia e avaliação do fundo de olho dilatado. Conclusões: As diretrizes sobre a frequência da avaliação oftalmológica são ferramentas importantes para orientar os médicos sobre a melhor prática a fim de evitar problemas visuais tratáveis na infância, que poderiam comprometer seu desenvolvimento social, escolar e global, além de causar perda permanente da visão.

Causes of visual impairment and blindness in children at Instituto Benjamin Constant Blind School, Rio de Janeiro / Causas de baixa visão e cegueira infantil na Escola para cegos do Instituto Benjamin Constant, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Objective: To determine the main causes of visual impairment and blindness in children enrolled at Instituto Benjamin Constant blind school (IBC) in 2013, to aid in planning for the prevention and management of avoidable causes of blindness. Methods: Study design: cross-sectional observational study. Data was collected from medical records of students attending IBC in 2013. Causes of blindness were classified according to WHO/PBL examination record. Data were analyzed for those children aged less than 16 years using Stata 9 program. Results: Among 355 students attending IBC in 2013, 253 (73%) were included in this study. Of these children, 190 (75%) were blind and 63 (25%) visually impaired. The major anatomical site of visual loss was retina (42%), followed by lesions of the globe (22%), optic nerve lesions (13.8%), central nervous system (8.8%) and cataract/pseudophakia/aphakia (8.8%). The etiology was unknown in 41.9% and neonatal factors accounted for 30,9% of cases. Forty-eight percent of cases were potentially avoidable. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was the main cause of blindness and with microphthalmia, optic nerve atrophy, cataract and glaucoma accounted for more than 50% of cases. Conclusion: Provision and improvement of ROP, cataract and glaucoma screening and treatment and programs could prevent avoidable visual impairment and blindness.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar as causas de cegueira e deficiência visual nas crianças matriculadas na Escola do Instituto Benjamin Constant (IBC) em 2013, para contribuir na elaboração de estratégias de controle e prevenção de causas evitáveis de cegueira. Métodos: Desenho de estudo: observacional do tipo transversal. Os dados foram coletados através dos prontuários dos alunos matriculados na Escola em 2013. As causas de cegueira foram classificadas de acordo com os registros de exames elaborados pela OMS/IAPB. Os dados foram analisados, em crianças com idade abaixo de 16 anos, usando o Programa Stata9. Resultados: Entre 355 alunos matriculados no IBC em 2013, 253 (73%) foram incluídos nesse estudo. Dessas crianças, 190 (75%) eram cegas e 63 (25%), deficientes visuais. O principal sítio anatômico, responsável pela perda visual, encontrado foi a retina (42%), seguido de lesões do globo ocular (22%), lesões no nervo óptico (13,8%), cegueira de origem no sistema nervoso central (8,8%) e catarata/pseudofácico/afácico (8.8%). A etiologia foi desconhecida em 41,9% e fatores neonatais corresponderam a 30,9% dos casos. Quarenta e oito porcento dos casos foram potencialmente evitáveis. Retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) foi a principal causa de cegueira e microftalmia, atrofia do nervo óptico, catarata e glaucoma contaram com mais de 50% dos casos. Conclusão: A oferta e melhoria de programas de triagem e tratamento do ROP, catarata e glaucoma podem prevenir os casos de deficiência visual e cegueira evitáveis.