Classification of Congenital Zika Syndrome: Muscle Tone, Motor Type, Body Segments Affected, and Gross Motor Function

• Published in: Developmental neurorehabilitation 2021-07, Vol.24 (5), p.296-302
• Main Authors: Tavares, Janiele de Sales, Gama, Gabriela Lopes, Dias Borges, Marcia Cristina, de Sousa Santos, Agda Cristina, Tavares, Jousilene de Sales, Amorim, Melania Maria Ramos, Melo, Adriana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: muscle hypertonia; muscle hypotonia; muscle tone; Zika virus
• ISSN: 1751-8423; 1751-8431
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2020.1866706

Aim: To identify abnormalities in muscle tone and motor function associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Method: A cross-sectional observational study involving 96 children (55 males) with CZS at a mean (SD) age 35.2 ± 2.9 months. Children's muscle tone was investigated using the pull to sit, scarf sign, shoulder suspension and ventral suspension tests and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Motor impairment was determined using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and body segments most affected with motor impairment. Results: 58 (60,5%) children tested positive for ≥1 maneuver used to evaluate muscle tone, while 38 (39.5%) tested negative in all the tests. MAS score was >0 for at least one of the appendicular muscles in 91 children (94.8%). In 88 children (91.7%), all four limbs were affected. Conclusion: Findings suggestive of axial hypotonia and appendicular hypertonia associated with severe motor impairment were prevalent in children with CZS.