Assessing the hearing of children exposed to zika virus with an initially normal newborn hearing screen: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can result in hearing loss in babies, consequently, audiological monitoring is necessary. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of hearing impairment in neonates and children exposed to ZIKV during the intrauterine period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 30 children born to mothers infected with ZIKV during pregnancy (March 2016-January 2017) underwent repeated hearing assessments performed 48 h after birth. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening revealed normal results in all children at 6, 13, 24, and 36 months. Children were divided into two subgroups based on real-time polymerase chain reaction: RT-PCR(+) and RT-PCR(-). RESULTS: At 24 months, the cumulative incidence of hearing alteration was 57.1%. There was no significant difference in the detection of hearing alteration between RT-PCR(+) and (-) groups. None of the children had sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: None of the children had sensorineural hearing loss. Total incidence conductive type (per 1000 live births), RT-PCR ZIKV (-) 2.2, prevalence 20% and RT-PCR ZIKV 3.1, prevalence 35.7%.The incidence of hearing alteration was highest at 24 months of age (57.1%, n = 8; only conductive type).

Accuracy of the Hammersmith infant neurological examination for the early detection of neurological changes in infants exposed to Zika virus: A case-cohort study.

ABSTRACT: The Hammersmith infant neurological examination (HINE) is a highly predictive tool for the easy and low-cost detection of cerebral palsy. Between 2015 and 2016, the rapid spread of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil was responsible for an increase in microcephaly cases. This study aimed to verify the accuracy of the HINE for the early detection of neurological problems in Brazilian babies exposed to ZIKV.This was a cross sectional case-control study of children exposed to ZIKV. This study was part of the Jundiaí ZIKV Cohort. Of a total sample of 782 children, 98 were evaluated (26 in the exposed group and 63 in the control group). We included late preterm infants and term infants who were exposed to the ZIKV and were participants in the ZIKV Cohort study. Student's t-test and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were used to compare groups.Of the 26 items evaluated in the five scored categories of the HINE (cranial nerve function, posture, movements, tone, reflexes, and reactions), only the difference in ankle dorsiflexion between the exposed and the control groups was statistically significant. However, some items showed a significant trend in relation to the control group.Our results demonstrated the importance of early neurological assessment of infants exposed to ZIKV, even in those without a microcephaly diagnosis.

Prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of microcephaly in a pediatric cohort in Brazil: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective We sought to describe the prevalence of microcephaly and to compare the different cutoff points established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health at various times during a Zika virus epidemic. As a secondary aim, we investigated the possible etiology of the microcephaly. Method This retrospective study utilized newborn participants in the Zika Cohort Study Jundiaí. Newborns from the Zika Cohort Study Jundiaí with an accurate gestational age determination and complete anthropometric data were analyzed, and microcephaly was diagnosed according to the INTERGROWTH-21st curve. At delivery, fluids were tested for specific antibodies and for viruses. Brain images were evaluated for microcephaly. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were plotted to define the accuracy of different cutoff points for microcephaly diagnosis. Results Of 462 eligible newborns, 19 (4.1%) were positive for microcephaly. Cutoff points corresponding to the curves of the World Health Organization yielded the best sensitivity and specificity. Three of the microcephaly cases (15.8%) were positive for Zika virus infections; nine (47.4%) had intrauterine growth restriction; one had intrauterine growth restriction and was exposed to Zika virus; three had a genetic syndrome (15.8%); and three had causes that had not been determined (15.8%). Conclusions Microcephaly prevalence was 4.1% in this study. Cutoff values determined by the World Health Organization had the highest sensitivity and specificity in relation to the standard IG curve. The main reason for microcephaly was intrauterine growth restriction. All possible causes of microcephaly must be investigated to allow the best development of an affected baby.

Three-Year Clinical Follow-Up of Children Intrauterine Exposed to Zika Virus.

Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection may present with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Some sequelae, particularly neurodevelopmental problems, may have a later onset. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 799 high-risk pregnant women who were followed up until delivery. Eighty-three women and/or newborns were considered ZIKV exposed and/or infected. Laboratory diagnosis was made by polymerase chain reaction in the pregnant mothers and their respective newborns, as well as Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and ZIKV serology. Serology for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and syphilis infections were also performed in microcephalic newborns. The newborns included in the study were followed up until their third birthday. Developmental delay was observed in nine patients (13.2%): mild cognitive delay in three patients, speech delay in three patients, autism spectrum disorder in two patients, and severe neurological abnormalities in one microcephalic patient; sensorineural hearing loss, three patients and dysphagia, six patients. Microcephaly due to ZIKV occurred in three patients (3.6%). Clinical manifestations can appear after the first year of life in children infected/exposed to ZIKV, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up.

Neonatal consequences of maternal exposure to the chikungunya virus: Case reports.

RATIONALE: The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was first isolated in a Tanzanian epidemic area between 1952 and 1953. The best description of the CHIKV transmission during pregnancy can be found in a well-documented epidemic in 2005, in the "La Reunion" island, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, in which about one-third of the population was infected. Reports of arbovirus infections in pregnancy are increasing over time, but the spectrum of clinical findings remains an incognita among researchers, including CHIKV. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this report, it was possible to verify 2 cases exposed to CHIKV during foetal period and the possible implications of the infection on gestational structures and exposed children after the birth. DIAGNOSIS: In both cases, the mothers were positive by laboratory tests in serologic analysis for CHIKV, as ezyme-linked immunossorbent assay (ELISA), plaque reduction neutralisation testing (PRNT) and immunofluorescence (IF); but there were no positive tests in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for mothers or children. INTERVENTIONS: The exposed children were followed up in a paediatrics clinic in order not only to provide the medical assistance, but also to verify child development and the possible implications and neurocognitive changes caused by gestational infection. OUTCOMES: There were neurological and developmental changes in one of the children followed up on an outpatient basis. There was an improvement in the neurological situation and symptoms only 3 years and 1 month after birth. LESSONS: Based on the cases presented, we can conclude that clinical symptoms of CHIKV maternal infection may occur late in new-borns and can affect their development.

Knowledge of Zika Virus Transmission and Its Prevention among High-Risk Pregnant Women in Brazil.

Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection highlight the urgent need to evaluate the efficacy of current public health measures to educate susceptible groups about how to prevent infection, modes of viral transmission, and consequences of infection. We performed a cross-sectional study in the city of Jundiaí, São-Paulo, from March 2016 to August 2017. In 315 high-risk pregnant women we evaluated the rate of ZIKV infection, knowledge of pathways of ZIKV transmission, and the use of protective measures. Data were analyzed and correlated with sociodemographic variables. The rate of ZIKV infection was 10.8%. ZIKV transmission by mosquitoes was the best-known means of virus acquisition, while transmission of ZIKV by sexual intercourse as well as mother-fetus transmission was known by less than half of the women. The use of insect repellent, reported by 53% of participants, was correlated with higher education and personal directives from health professionals. Condom use was reported by 19.5% of subjects. Improved strategies to increase awareness of ZIKV infection and its consequences, designed to appeal to specific, targeted populations, are clearly necessary to more accurately prevent the spread of this infection and diminish adverse consequences in the pregnant population.

Prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of microcephaly in a pediatric cohort in Brazil: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the prevalence of microcephaly and to compare the different cutoff points established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health at various times during a Zika virus epidemic. As a secondary aim, we investigated the possible etiology of the microcephaly. METHOD: This retrospective study utilized newborn participants in the Zika Cohort Study Jundiaí. Newborns from the Zika Cohort Study Jundiaí with an accurate gestational age determination and complete anthropometric data were analyzed, and microcephaly was diagnosed according to the INTERGROWTH-21st curve. At delivery, fluids were tested for specific antibodies and for viruses. Brain images were evaluated for microcephaly. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were plotted to define the accuracy of different cutoff points for microcephaly diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 462 eligible newborns, 19 (4.1%) were positive for microcephaly. Cutoff points corresponding to the curves of the World Health Organization yielded the best sensitivity and specificity. Three of the microcephaly cases (15.8%) were positive for Zika virus infections; nine (47.4%) had intrauterine growth restriction; one had intrauterine growth restriction and was exposed to Zika virus; three had a genetic syndrome (15.8%); and three had causes that had not been determined (15.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Microcephaly prevalence was 4.1% in this study. Cutoff values determined by the World Health Organization had the highest sensitivity and specificity in relation to the standard IG curve. The main reason for microcephaly was intrauterine growth restriction. All possible causes of microcephaly must be investigated to allow the best development of an affected baby.

Longitudinal visual acuity development in ZIKV-exposed children.

PURPOSE: To follow the visual acuity development of children exposed to or infected with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during gestation and to relate potential visual acuity deficits to their clinical condition. METHODS: In this prospective study, visual acuity was measured via Teller Acuity Cards in three groups of children: (1) those with confirmed ZIKV exposure (ZE) through the mother only, (2) those with confirmed infection (ZI), and (3) unaffected controls. Visual acuity was measured 2-4 times in each child during the first 30 months of age. RESULTS: The study included 22 children in the ZE group, 11 in the ZI group, and 27 controls. Visual acuity developed normally in both patient groups, including infected patients (ZI) that did not manifest clinical symptoms. In a small subgroup of patients with characteristics consistent with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), visual acuity was within normative values, with the exception of single child with chorioretinal atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: In this southeastern Brazil study cohort, visual acuity development seemed to progress normally in infected children without CZS symptoms.

Detection of Zika virus in paired urine and amniotic fluid samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic women and their babies during a disease outbreak: association with neurological symptoms in newborns.

Paired maternal and newborn urine and amniotic fluid from 138 subjects collected during a Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak was analyzed for ZIKV by gene amplification (RT-qPCR), and the findings were correlated with clinical symptoms and neurological anomalies in the babies. ZIKV was detected in 1 of 9 symptomatic women (11.1%) and in 19 of 129 asymptomatic women (14.7%). Neurological manifestations were present in 19 babies (13.7%), 10 of 20 (50%) positive and 9 of 119 (7.6%) negative (p < 0.001) for ZIKV. Twelve (8.6%) urines collected during gestation were ZIKV-positive; only 2 remained positive for ZIKV postpartum. Six (4.1%) newborn urines collected within 1 day of delivery were ZIKV-positive cases. In 3 of these cases, ZIKV was detected in mother's urine pre- and postpartum and in both mother's urine and babies' urine. Four of the amniotic fluid samples (2.9%) were ZIKV-positive. Among ZIKV-negative babies with neurological sequel, 87.5% were female; in contrast, 72.7% ZIKV-positive babies with neurological abnormalities were male (p = 0.019). We conclude that during a ZIKV outbreak, clinical symptoms and ZIKV detection in biological fluids are poor predictors of infection and adverse neurologic sequel in newborns.

Cohort profile: the Jundiaí Zika cohort (JZC), a pregnancy and birth cohort in São Paulo state, Brazil.

PURPOSE: The Jundiaí Zika Cohort (JZC) is a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort setup in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, to investigate the epidemic of cases of microcephaly and other neurological disorders, presumed to be associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 748 women with high-risk pregnancies were recruited in the period of March 2016 to August 2017. FINDINGS TO DATE: Baseline sociodemographic and medical data were collected at recruitment from 737 pregnant women. Biological samples (ie, blood, saliva and urine) were collected from 695 of the pregnant women (94.3%), of whom 53 (7.6%) were ZIKV-positive on subsequent testing by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in urine. Biological sample (ie, blood, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid) were collected within 10 days of birth from 409 (57.4%) of the liveborn infants, of whom 19 (4.6%) were ZIKV-positive on subsequent testing by RT-PCR in urine. All remaining biological specimens, as well as colostrum, umbilical cord and placental samples, have been stored in a secure biorepository. Antenatal and postnatal imaging studies and neonatal anthropometry were carried out. FUTURE PLANS: The JZC provides a unique data set which will continue to be explored to study the effects of pregnancy comorbidities on Zika virus infection during pregnancy, the long-term outcomes of children with congenital Zika infection and how physiotherapy and group interventions can improve outcomes for congenitally-infected children. All women in the cohort have reached the end of their pregnancy and currently the oldest children are 2 years old. The study will continue until all the children reach their third birthday (April 2021).

Alterations in visual acuity and visual development in infants 1-24 months old either exposed to or infected by Zika virus during gestation, with and without microcephaly.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual acuity and visual acuity development in children from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, who were exposed to the Zika virus (ZIKV) gestationally. METHODS: Children who had been exposed to ZIKV during gestation and age-matched control subjects received visual acuity and funduscopic examination. ZIKV exposure was confirmed by maternal quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing or serology assay. The ZIKV group was divided into two subgroups: exposed (ZE), with only the mother having confirmed ZIKV infection, and infected (ZI), with confirmed infection. Visual acuity development was compared with prior norms and quantified by measuring visual acuity correlation with age. RESULTS: A total of 110 children were included: 47 who had been exposed to ZIKV (ZE, 23; ZI, 24) and 63 controls. Abnormal visual acuity was found in 5 of 24 ZI children. Of the 4 children with microcephaly, only 2 had visual acuity loss (only 1 also had abnormal funduscopic findings). There was significant correlation between age and visual acuity in both the control group (R2 = 0.8; P < 0.0000) and the ZE subgroup (R2 = 0.6; P < 0.0000). However, visual acuity did not correlate with age in the ZI subgroup (R2 = 0.04; P = 0.38). Furthermore, the increment in octaves/month was much lower in the ZI subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that visual acuity losses only occur in infants who suffered gestational-infection, not simply exposure. Lack of correlation between age and visual acuity in the ZI subgroup suggests a slowing of visual development even in the absence of microcephaly. This result may have broad implications for the deleterious effects of ZIKV on the central nervous system.

Development of Secondary Microcephaly After Delivery: Possible Consequence of Mother-Baby Transmission of Zika Virus in Breast Milk.

BACKGROUND The Zika virus is an arbovirus that has as main source of transmission the bite of infected insects of the genus Aedes and has been associated with cases of congenital malformation and microcephaly in neonates. However, other sources of transmission have been identified since the emergence of this virus in the world population, such as vertical transmission by semen and possibly other body fluids such as vaginal secretion and breast milk. CASE REPORT An infant, born to a mother whose previous delivery was a baby with severe microcephaly, was normal and was negative for Zika virus at birth but developed secondary microcephaly 1 month later, that persisted. The baby was exclusively breast-fed and Zika virus was present in the mother's milk. CONCLUSIONS We report the detection of Zika virus exclusively in the breast milk of a woman after her second delivery of an infant, who later developed microcephaly. This case is consistent with possible vertical transmission.

Doenças respiratórias agudas em crianças brasileiras: os cuidadores são capazes de detectar os primeiros sinais de alerta? / Acute respiratory diseases in brazilian children: are caregivers able to detect early warning signs?

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento do cuidador em relação aos sinais e sintomas respiratórios de Infecções Respiratórias Agudas (IRA) e a percepção dos mesmos em relação às crianças que necessitam de assistência médica. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e transversal, no qual um questionário padronizado com itens relacionados à percepção da gravidade dos sinais e sintomas de IRA foi administrado a cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos admitidos no serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário no período de agosto de 2011 a maio de 2012. A análise estatística foi realizada com os testes do qui-quadrado e t-Student para determinar quais variáveis contribuíram para o reconhecimento pelos cuidadores da gravidade das doenças respiratórias agudas. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 499 cuidadores. As causas de IRA mais citadas foram Síndrome gripal (78,6%), Resfriado comum (73,9%), Faringites (64,1%) e Pneumonia (54,5%). Febre (34,1%) e Tosse (15,8%) foram as principais razões para a procura de atendimento. Os sinais de gravidade mais citados pelos cuidadores foram: febre (99,6%), dispneia (91,4%), sibilância (86,4%), adinamia (80,2%), tosse (79,8%) e taquipneia (78,6%). O histórico de doença respiratória anterior do paciente (p=0,002), a idade (p=0,010) e o estado civil do cuidador (p=0,014) foram as variáveis significativamente associadas com taquipneia, o sintoma mais grave de IRA. Conclusões: Embora cuidadores pediátricos possam perceber os principais sinais de IRA, eles não são capazes de reconhecer a gravidade destes, o que pode atrasar os cuidados médicos e impedir o tratamento precoce.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the level of caregiver knowledge about respiratory signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) as well as their ability to detect the early warning signs and need for medical assistance in children referred to an emergency service. Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study. A standardized questionnaire with questions on the perception of the severity of ARI signs and symptoms was applied to caregivers of pediatric patients assisted in the emergency room of a university hospital from August 2011 to May 2012. Chi-square and Student's t-tests were used to determine which variables contributed with caregivers' recognition of severity of acute respiratory diseases. Results: 499 caregivers were interviewed. The most cited causes of ARI were flu syndrome (78.6%), common cold (73.9%), pharyngitis (64.1%), and pneumonia (54.5%). Fever (34.1%) and cough (15.8%) were major reasons for referral to hospital. The most cited signs of severity recognized by caregivers were fever (99.6%), dyspnea (91.4%), wheezing (86.4%), adynamia (80.2%), coughing (79.8%), and tachypnea (78.6%). Children's history of respiratory diseases (p=0.002), caregiver's age (p=0.010) and marital status (p=0.014) were significantly associated with tachypnea, the most severe ARI symptom. Conclusions: Although caregivers of children can recognize ARI most important signs and symptoms, they are unable to judge severity, which may delay medical care and early treatment.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN BRAZILIAN CHILDREN: ARE CAREGIVERS ABLE TO DETECT EARLY WARNING SIGNS? / DOENÇAS RESPIRATÓRIAS AGUDAS EM CRIANÇAS BRASILEIRAS: OS CUIDADORES SÃO CAPAZES DE DETECTAR OS PRIMEIROS SINAIS DE ALERTA?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of caregiver knowledge about respiratory signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) as well as their ability to detect the early warning signs and need for medical assistance in children referred to an emergency service. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study. A standardized questionnaire with questions on the perception of the severity of ARI signs and symptoms was applied to caregivers of pediatric patients assisted in the emergency room of a university hospital from August 2011 to May 2012. Chi-square and Student's t-tests were used to determine which variables contributed with caregivers' recognition of severity of acute respiratory diseases. RESULTS: 499 caregivers were interviewed. The most cited causes of ARI were flu syndrome (78.6%), common cold (73.9%), pharyngitis (64.1%), and pneumonia (54.5%). Fever (34.1%) and cough (15.8%) were major reasons for referral to hospital. The most cited signs of severity recognized by caregivers were fever (99.6%), dyspnea (91.4%), wheezing (86.4%), adynamia (80.2%), coughing (79.8%), and tachypnea (78.6%). Children's history of respiratory diseases (p=0.002), caregiver's age (p=0.010) and marital status (p=0.014) were significantly associated with tachypnea, the most severe ARI symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Although caregivers of children can recognize ARI most important signs and symptoms, they are unable to judge severity, which may delay medical care and early treatment.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento do cuidador em relação aos sinais e sintomas respiratórios de Infecções Respiratórias Agudas (IRA) e a percepção dos mesmos em relação às crianças que necessitam de assistência médica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e transversal, no qual um questionário padronizado com itens relacionados à percepção da gravidade dos sinais e sintomas de IRA foi administrado a cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos admitidos no serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário no período de agosto de 2011 a maio de 2012. A análise estatística foi realizada com os testes do qui-quadrado e t-Student para determinar quais variáveis contribuíram para o reconhecimento pelos cuidadores da gravidade das doenças respiratórias agudas. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 499 cuidadores. As causas de IRA mais citadas foram Síndrome gripal (78,6%), Resfriado comum (73,9%), Faringites (64,1%) e Pneumonia (54,5%). Febre (34,1%) e Tosse (15,8%) foram as principais razões para a procura de atendimento. Os sinais de gravidade mais citados pelos cuidadores foram: febre (99,6%), dispneia (91,4%), sibilância (86,4%), adinamia (80,2%), tosse (79,8%) e taquipneia (78,6%). O histórico de doença respiratória anterior do paciente (p=0,002), a idade (p=0,010) e o estado civil do cuidador (p=0,014) foram as variáveis significativamente associadas com taquipneia, o sintoma mais grave de IRA. CONCLUSÕES: Embora cuidadores pediátricos possam perceber os principais sinais de IRA, eles não são capazes de reconhecer a gravidade destes, o que pode atrasar os cuidados médicos e impedir o tratamento precoce.

Do pollution and climate influence respiratory tract infections in children?

UNLABELLED: To review if pollution and climate changes can influence respiratory tract infections in children. DATA SOURCE: Articles published on the subject in PubMed, SciELO, Bireme, EBSCO and UpTodate were reviewed. The following inclusion criteria were considered: scientific papers between 2002 and 2012, study design, the pediatric population, reference documents such as the CETESB and World Health Organization Summary of the data: We analyzed research that correlated respiratory viruses and climate and/or pollution changes. Respiratory syncytial virus has been the virus related most to changes in climate and humidity. Other "old and new" respiratory viruses such as Human Bocavirus, Metapneumovirus, Parechovirus and Parainfuenza would need to be investigated owing to their clinical importance. Although much has been studied with regard to the relationship between climate change and public health, specific studies about its influence on children's health remain scarce.

Do pollution and climate influence respiratory tract infections in children? / A poluição e o clima podem influenciar as infecções respiratórias em crianças?

To review if pollution and climate changes can influence respiratory tract infections in children. Data source: articles published on the subject in PubMed, SciELO, Bireme, EBSCO and UpTodate were reviewed. The following inclusion criteria were considered: scientific papers between 2002 and 2012, study design, the pediatric population, reference documents such as the CETESB and World Health Organization Summary of the data: We analyzed research that correlated respiratory viruses and climate and/or pollution changes. Respiratory syncytial virus has been the virus related most to changes in climate and humidity. Other "old and new" respiratory viruses such as Human Bocavirus, Metapneumovirus, Parechovirus and Parainfuenza would need to be investigated owing to their clinical importance. Although much has been studied with regard to the relationship between climate change and public health, specific studies about its influence on children's health remain scarce.

Rever se a poluição e as alterações do clima podem influenciar nas infecções respiratórias de crianças. Fontes de dados: foram revisados artigos publicados sobre o tema no PubMed, SciELO, Bireme, EBSCO e UpToDate. Os seguintes critérios de inclusão foram levados em consideração: trabalhos científicos entre 2002 e 2012, delineamento de estudo, população pediátrica, documentos de referência, como Cetesb e Organização Mundial da Saúde. Síntese dos dados: foram analisadas as pesquisas que correlacionavam vírus respiratórios e alterações do clima e/ou poluição. O vírus sincicial respiratório tem sido o vírus mais relacionado com alterações climáticas e umidade. Outros "velhos e novos" vírus respiratórios, como parainfluenza (VPH), metapneumovírus humano (hMPV), bocavírus (HBoV) e parechovirus (HPeV), precisariam ser investigados pela sua importância clínica. Embora muito se tenha estudado sobre a relação das mudanças climáticas na saúde coletiva, estudos específicos sobre sua influência na saúde das crianças ainda são escassos.

[Epidemiological characteristics of Lyme-like disease in children]. / Características clínico-epidemiológicas da doença Lyme-símile em crianças.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence, age distribution, seasonality and clinical characteristics of Lyme-simile disease in Brazilians less than 15 years of age. METHODS. From July, 1998 to November, 2000, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 333 patients with skin rash and fever. Paired blood samples were collected for identification of the pathogens. Only 193 samples which were negative for other pathogens (Parvovirus B19 Human, Herpesvirus 6 Human, Measles, Rubella, Dengue, Scarlet fever and Enterovirus), were tested for borreliosis by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Western-blotting. Other clinical, socioeconomic, demographic and climatic variables were studied. RESULTS: Prevalence of the disease was 6.2%(12/193). Of the variables studied, there was predominance in: <6 years old (83.2%); females (66.7%); being from the city of Franco da Rocha (58.3 %); and a summer/fall seasonality. The duration of care was 4 days. Signs and symptoms with statistical significance were itching; absence of lip notch and ocular pain; irritability and good clinical condition. Other clinical data presented were: pruritus (90%), irritability (80%) and fever (38 masculineC) (58.3%) with a duration of 1 to 3 days. Erythema was maculo-papular (40%), urticaria-like (25%) and scarlatiniform (16.7%), occurring predominately on the trunk (60%). There were no primary clinical evidences of Lyme-simile disease in the patients under study. The sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnosis as opposed to the laboratory diagnosis was zero. There was no initial clinical suspicion of the disease in the 10 cases studied and followed up for two years that showed no evidence of cardiologic or neurological complications. This is the first study of Lyme-simile in Brazilian children. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of Lyme-simile disease was low, and it was not remembered at the initial diagnosis of those with skin rash. However, practical knowledge is necessary, demanding increased medical attention.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas da doença Lyme-símile em crianças / Epidemiological characteristics of Lyme-like disease in children

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência, distribuição etária, sazonalidade, características clínicas da doença Lyme-símile em menores de 15 anos. MÉTODOS: De julho/1998 a dezembro/2000 foi conduzido um estudo transversal em 333 pacientes, com exantema e febre. Foram coletadas amostras pareadas de sangue para a identificação de patógenos. Somente em 193 amostras, negativas aos outros patógenos (Parvovirus B19, Herpesvírus 6 humano, Sarampo, Rubéola, Dengue, Escarlatina e Enterovírus), foram realizadas a pesquisa da borreliose pelos métodos de Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay e Western-blotting. Outras variáveis clínicas, socioeconômicas, demográficas e climáticas foram estudadas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da doença foi de 6,2 por cento(12/193). Das variáveis estudadas, houve predomínio em <6anos(83,2 por cento); sexo feminino (66,7 por cento); procedência da cidade de Franco da Rocha (58,3 por cento); com sazonalidade no outono-verão. O intervalo de atendimento foi de quatro dias. Sinais e sintomas com significância estatística: prurido, ausência da fissura labial e bom estado clínico. Outros dados presentes foram: irritabilidade (80 por cento); febre (?38ºC) (58,3 por cento) com duração de um a três dias. O exantema foi do tipo máculo-papular (33,3 por cento), urticariforme (25 por cento) e escarlatiniforme (16,7 por cento); predominando em tronco (60 por cento). Não houve apresentação clínica característica para diagnóstico da doença de Lyme-símile nestes pacientes. A sensibilidade e especificidade para o diagnóstico clínico contraposta com o diagnóstico laboratorial foi zero. O acompanhamento de 10 casos durante dois anos não evidenciou complicações cardiológicas ou neurológicas. Este é o primeiro estudo desta doença em crianças brasileiras. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência da doença Lyme-símile foi baixa, não tendo sido lembrada no diagnóstico inicial dos exantemas, mas seu conhecimento é necessário, necessitando maior atenção médica.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence, age distribution, seasonality and clinical characteristics of Lyme-simile disease in Brazilians less than 15 years of age. METHODS. From July, 1998 to November, 2000, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 333 patients with skin rash and fever. Paired blood samples were collected for identification of the pathogens. Only 193 samples which were negative for other pathogens (Parvovirus B19 Human, Herpesvirus 6 Human, Measles, Rubella, Dengue, Scarlet fever and Enterovirus), were tested for borreliosis by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Western-blotting. Other clinical, socioeconomic, demographic and climatic variables were studied. RESULTS: Prevalence of the disease was 6.2 percent(12/193). Of the variables studied, there was predominance in: <6 years old (83.2 percent); females (66.7 percent); being from the city of Franco da Rocha (58.3 percent); and a summer/fall seasonality. The duration of care was 4 days. Signs and symptoms with statistical significance were itching; absence of lip notch and ocular pain; irritability and good clinical condition. Other clinical data presented were: pruritus (90 percent), irritability (80 percent) and fever (?38ºC) (58.3 percent) with a duration of 1 to 3 days. Erythema was maculo-papular (40 percent), urticaria-like (25 percent) and scarlatiniform (16.7 percent), occurring predominately on the trunk (60 percent). There were no primary clinical evidences of Lyme-simile disease in the patients under study. The sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnosis as opposed to the laboratory diagnosis was zero. There was no initial clinical suspicion of the disease in the 10 cases studied and followed up for two years that showed no evidence of cardiologic or neurological complications. This is the first study of Lyme-simile in Brazilian children. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of Lyme-simile disease was low, and it was not remembered at the initial diagnosis ...