Functioning profile and gross motor function of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To describe the functioning profile and gross motor function of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS). Method: Eleven children aged zero to six years were assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and the Core Set of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results: The mean age of the children was 4.45 ±1.96 years, and all (n = 11, 100%) presented microcephaly. Among them, 91% (n = 10) had severe motor impairment (GMFCS levels IV and V), and 9% (n = 1) had mild motor impairment (GMFCS level I). Children with severe motor impairment achieved the lowest mean score in item C(crawling and kneeling: 0.57 ±0.78; median 0.00), whereas the child with mild impairment obtained lower means across all dimensions (A, B, C, D, and E). Conclusion: The functioning profile revealed more pronounced losses in neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions, as well as greater difficulties in mobility and personal care. Social attitudes and health services, systems, and policies were identified as barriers, whereas the immediate family was considered the main facilitator. CZS negatively affects the gross motor function and overall functionality of children.