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Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children’s oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children’s mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2–8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

Dental Care; Microcephaly; Oral Health; Mouth Mucosa; Zika Virus; Microcephaly

Introduction

Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition involving a smaller head circumference than the standard established for an individual’s age and sex.11. Villar J, Cheikh Ismail L, Victora CG, Ohuma EO, Bertino E, Altman DG, et al. International standards for newborn weight, length, and head circumference by gestational age and sex: the Newborn Cross-Sectional Study of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project. Lancet. 2014 Sep;384(9946):857-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736 (14)60932-6
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,22. World Health Organization. Assessment of infants with microcephaly in the context of Zika virus: interim guidance. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016 [cited 2022 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-ZIKV-MOC-16.3-Rev.1
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Multiple causes can lead to the development of this condition, including congenital infections and genetic/epigenetic changes.33. Parmar H, Ibrahim M. Pediatric intracranial infections. Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2012 Nov;22(4):707-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nic.2012.05.016
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,44. Paciorkowski AR, Keppler-Noreuil K, Robinson L, Sullivan C, Sajan S, Christian SL, et al. Deletion 16p13.11 uncovers NDE1 mutations on the non-deleted homolog and extends the spectrum of severe microcephaly to include fetal brain disruption. Am J Med Genet A. 2013 Jul;161A(7):1523-30. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.35969
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In Brazil, an outbreak of individuals born with microcephaly was associated with Zika virus infection. However, since several other systemic alterations were observed, this spectrum was recognized as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly.55. Martins MM, Cunha AJA, Robaina JR, Raymundo CE, Barbosa AP, Medronho RA. Fetal, neonatal, and infant outcomes associated with maternal Zika virus infection during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021 Feb;16(2):e0246643. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246643
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,66. Freitas DA, Souza-Santos R, Carvalho LM, Barros WB, Neves LM, Brasil P, et al. Congenital Zika syndrome: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2020 Dec;15(12):e0242367. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242367
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...

Compelling evidence has indicated that children with CZS-associated microcephaly exhibit oral and maxillofacial alterations of unknown etiopathogenesis.77. Silva LV, Hermont AP, Magnani IQ, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Oral alterations in children with microcephaly associated to congenital Zika syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Spec Care Dentist. 2023 Mar;43(2):184-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12761
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12761...
,88. Silva Sobrinho AR, Ramos LF, Maciel YL, Maurício HA, Cartaxo RO, Ferreira SJ, et al. Orofacial features in children with microcephaly associated with Zika virus: A scoping review. Oral Dis. 2022 May;28(4):1022-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.13804
https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.13804...
Malocclusion, changes in palate and orofacial muscle tone, delayed tooth eruption, and dental alterations (i.e., dental anomalies and developmental defects of enamel – DDE) are among the documented disorders.77. Silva LV, Hermont AP, Magnani IQ, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Oral alterations in children with microcephaly associated to congenital Zika syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Spec Care Dentist. 2023 Mar;43(2):184-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12761
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12761...
,88. Silva Sobrinho AR, Ramos LF, Maciel YL, Maurício HA, Cartaxo RO, Ferreira SJ, et al. Orofacial features in children with microcephaly associated with Zika virus: A scoping review. Oral Dis. 2022 May;28(4):1022-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.13804
https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.13804...
Some oral and maxillofacial alterations may facilitate the onset or worsening of systemic complications such as dysphagia and respiratory infections. Moreover, such alterations can be accompanied by tooth sensitivity/pain which, in turn, may negatively impact the quality of life of these children.99. Rego Filho JF, Sena C, Wajnsztejn R. Burden in caregivers of children with congenital Zika syndrome in Pernambuco, Brazil: analysis and application of the Zarit burden interview scale. PeerJ. 2023 Feb;11:e14807. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14807
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14807...

10. Carneiro NC, Abreu LG, Milagres RM, Amaral TM, Flores-Mir C, Pordeus IA, et al. Dental and maxillomandibular incidental findings in panoramic radiography among individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis: a cross-sectional study. J Appl Oral Sci. 2021 Apr;29:e20200978. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2020-0978
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-1111. Leal MC, Linden V, Bezerra TP, Valois L, Borges AC, Antunes MM, et al. Characteristics of dysphagia in infants with microcephaly caused by congenital Zika virus infection, Brazil, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis. 2017 Aug;23(8):1253-9. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2308.170354
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2308.170354...

Although previous studies have documented cases of CZS-associated microcephaly with oral manifestations in regions considered to be the epicenter of the infection, such as in the northeast of Brazil;77. Silva LV, Hermont AP, Magnani IQ, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Oral alterations in children with microcephaly associated to congenital Zika syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Spec Care Dentist. 2023 Mar;43(2):184-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12761
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12761...
,1212. Aguiar YP, Cavalcanti AF, Alencar CR, Melo AS, Cavalcanti SD, Cavalcanti AL. Chronology of the first deciduous tooth eruption in Brazilian children with microcephaly associated with Zika virus: a longitudinal study. Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2018 Jan;18(1):3982. https://doi.org/10.4034/PBOCI.2018.181.16
https://doi.org/10.4034/PBOCI.2018.181.1...

13. Oliveira AM, Melo EG, Mendes ML, Oliveira SJS, Tavares CS, Vaez AC, et al. Oral and maxillofacial conditions, dietary aspects, and nutritional status of children with congenital Zika syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2020 Jul;130(1):71-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2020.02.019
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2020.02.0...
-1414. Ribeiro RA, Mattos A, Meneghim MC, Vedovello SA, Borges TM, Santamaria M Jr. Oral and maxillofacial outcomes in children with microcephaly associated with the congenital Zika syndrome. Eur J Orthod. 2021 Jun;43(3):346-52. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjaa036
https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjaa036...
the literature is very scarce in other areas such as in the southeast.1515. Medina DT, Santos AP, Rodrigues FM, Oliveira BH. Oral manifestations of congenital Zika virus infection in children with microcephaly: 18-month follow-up case series. Spec Care Dentist. 2022 Jul;42(4):343-51. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12681
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12681...
Furthermore, the lack of solid knowledge about the findings of rare diseases prevents progress in developing some means to reduce the burden of these conditions.1616. Haendel M, Vasilevsky N, Unni D, Bologa C, Harris N, Rehm H, et al. How many rare diseases are there? Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2020 Feb;19(2):77-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41573-019-00180-y
https://doi.org/10.1038/d41573-019-00180...
In this sense, it is essential to identify and monitor affected individuals in order to minimize the associated clinical consequences and improve their quality of life.1010. Carneiro NC, Abreu LG, Milagres RM, Amaral TM, Flores-Mir C, Pordeus IA, et al. Dental and maxillomandibular incidental findings in panoramic radiography among individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis: a cross-sectional study. J Appl Oral Sci. 2021 Apr;29:e20200978. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2020-0978
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2020-0...

The purpose of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with CZS-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. The hypothesis raised was that the oral conditions of children with CZS-associated microcephaly and non-CZS-associated microcephaly would be similar and exhibit alterations regardless of Zika infection itself.

Methodology

Study design, setting, and ethical issues

A cross-sectional study with two comparison groups was performed between January and December 2021. Children with CZS-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children treated at the care unit were recruited. Efforts with the snowball sampling recruitment technique1717. Crossman A. What is a snowball sample in sociologyNew York: ThoughtCo; 2020 [cited 2022 Nov 2]. Available from https://www.thoughtco.com/snowball-sampling-3026730
https://www.thoughtco.com/snowball-sampl...
were employed to expand the number of participants; but a convenience sample was eventually used. The children from the three groups received dental care at the Faculty of Dentistry of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) were followed.1818. Elm E, Altman DG, Egger M, Pocock SJ, Gøtzsche PC, Vandenbroucke JP. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies. Int J Surg. 2014 Dec;12(12):1495-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.07.013
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2014.07.0...
Mothers of the children willing to participate signed an informed permission or consent form and patient anonymity was ensured in conformity with the Declaration of Helsinki. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of UFMG (process no. 38990120.0.0000.5149).

Sample characteristics

Age zero to eight years, diagnosis of CZS-associated microcephaly or non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical development (children without special disorders such as physical/intelectual disability, syndromes, autism spectrum disorder, or acute/chronic illnesses) were set out as eligibility criteria. Participants in the different groups were matched for age. Children whose mothers refused to answer questions about any of the investigated information and/or refused to allow for a complete clinical dental examination of the child were excluded from the study. Children who did not show up for the clinical dental examination were also excluded.

Data collection and clinical parameters

The mothers of the selected children who agreed to participate in the study were contacted by telephone, and the purpose and nature of the research were then explained and the sociodemographic data and the children’s medical history were collected. In a second phase, the children underwent oral clinical examination and received dental care at UFMG. The children are still under dental follow-up at the same place.

Initially, 30 children with microcephaly (15 CZS-associated and 15 non-CZS-associated) were invited to participate, and their mothers answered the proposed questionnaire. However, when recruited for the oral clinical examination, eight children (one CZS-associated and seven non-CZS-associated) did not show up because of maternal and child health problems and/or transport problems.

The oral clinical examination of the children was performed under artificial lighting and with appropriate personal protective equipment. Dental caries experience was determined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) indices.1919. World Health Organization. Oral health surveys: basic methods. 5thed. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2013 [cited 2022 Nov 2]. Available from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/97035/1/9789241548649_eng.pdf?ua=1
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665...
DDE was assessed according to the modified DDE index consisting of diffuse opacity, demarcated opacity, and enamel hypoplasia.2020. A review of the developmental defects of enamel index (DDE index). Commission on Oral Health, Research & Epidemiology. Report of an FDI Working Group. Int Dent J. 1992 Dec;42(6):411-26. Color, shape, size, surface texture (smooth or irregular), consistency (firm or softened), and implantation and location of the mucosal changes were analyzed according to the classification of fundamental lesions proposed by Tommasi et al.2121. Tommasi MH. Diagnóstico em patologia bucal. 4th ed. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier; 2016. and Neville et al.2222. Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC. Oral & maxillofacial pathology. 4th ed. Missouri: Elsevier; 2016. Dental anomalies (changes in shape, number, size, or position) were also evaluated.2222. Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC. Oral & maxillofacial pathology. 4th ed. Missouri: Elsevier; 2016. Clinically, children who showed any change in occlusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations) were classified as having malocclusion.1919. World Health Organization. Oral health surveys: basic methods. 5thed. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2013 [cited 2022 Nov 2]. Available from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/97035/1/9789241548649_eng.pdf?ua=1
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665...
,2323. Prado HV, Carneiro NC, Perazzo MF, Abreu MH, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessing a possible vulnerability to dental caries in individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect the skeletal development. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019 Jun;14(1):145-52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-5
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-...
The absence of lip sealing (mouth posture) was assessed during the interview with the mother and the clinical exam when the children thought that they were not being observed, thus revealing the habit.2323. Prado HV, Carneiro NC, Perazzo MF, Abreu MH, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessing a possible vulnerability to dental caries in individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect the skeletal development. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019 Jun;14(1):145-52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-5
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-...

The quality of oral hygiene was determined by the simplified oral hygiene index (SOHI) and was scored as follows: 0 = absence of dental plaque/dental calculus; 1 = some dental plaque/dental calculus, less than one-third of dental surface covered; 2 = dental plaque/dental calculus covering more than one-third and less than two-thirds of the dental surface; and 3 = dental plaque/dental calculus covering more than two-thirds of the dental surface. Plaque and dental calculus were evaluated separately.2424. Greene JC, Vermillion JR. The simplified oral hygiene index. J Am Dent Assoc. 1964 Jan;68(1):7-13. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1964.0034
https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.19...
The final index was obtained from the sum of the codes divided by the total number of teeth examined and classified as adequate (satisfactory and fair: 0 to 2), or inadequate (deficient and poor: 2.1 to ≥ 3.1).2323. Prado HV, Carneiro NC, Perazzo MF, Abreu MH, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessing a possible vulnerability to dental caries in individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect the skeletal development. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019 Jun;14(1):145-52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-5
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-...
,2525. Teixeira AS, Santos PC, Batista AR, Albuquerque BN, Vasconcelos M, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessment of oral hygiene in mentally disabled children. Rev Odonto Cienc. 2015 Sep;30(3):65-70. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6523.2015.3.12849.
https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6523.2015....

Calibration and pilot study

Before performing the oral clinical examination of the children, the examiner was trained and calibrated (at two different time points) to diagnose oral alterations such as dental caries experience and dental anomalies, DDE, malocclusion, and mucosal alterations. The level of agreement determined by the Cohen’s kappa coefficient was between 0.70 and 0.89. Subsequently, a pilot study was conducted on 15 patients (five children with CZS-associated microcephaly, five children with non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and five normotypical children). The results of the pilot study indicated that no changes to the methodology were required, and the sample was included in the investigation.

Statistical analysis

Stratified descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Central tendency and variability measures were calculated for age, and frequency was calculated for the other variables for each of the three groups analyzed.

Results

The age of the 38 participants (three groups) ranged between two and eight years, with a mean of 4.9 (± 1.4) years. A total of 22 children (14 with CZS-associated microcephaly and eight with non-CZS-associated microcephaly) participated in the study, representing 73.3% of the predicted universe of participants with microcephaly (n=30). There were eight losses to follow-up due to health status and/or transport problems. Sixteen normotypical children also participated in the study.

Table 1 presents the sociodemographic and medical history data of the three groups of participants. Two of the 22 children with microcephaly were wearing a respirator and 14 had some type of feeding tube (a nasogastric tube in three cases and a gastrointestinal tube in 11). Oral conditions were diagnosed in 35 children (92.1%).

Table 1
Descriptive data of the demographic and medical variables.

The prevalence of oral conditions and inadequate oral hygiene was higher in the groups with CZS- and non-CZS-associated microcephaly when compared to the group of normotypical participants (Table 2). All individuals with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and presence of malocclusion (100.0%), followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly (absence of lip sealing = 50.0% and malocclusion = 75.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS-associated microcephaly had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience (50.0%).

Table 2
Descriptive data of the oral conditions.

Discussion

Children with congenital neurological damage are more likely to experience oral and maxillofacial alterations.2626. Gomes PN, Azevedo ID, Amaral BA, Arrais NM, Lima KC. Microcephaly as a risk factor for dental alterations: A case-control study. Oral Dis. 2023 Jul;29(5):2265-71. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.14199
https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.14199...
A lower priority is given to the oral health of these individuals compared to their need for medical and social care; therefore, affected individuals become more vulnerable to oral diseases.2323. Prado HV, Carneiro NC, Perazzo MF, Abreu MH, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessing a possible vulnerability to dental caries in individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect the skeletal development. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019 Jun;14(1):145-52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-5
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-...
,2727. Oliveira JS, Prado Júnior RR, Lima KRS, Amaral HO, Moita Neto JM, Mendes RF. Intellectual disability and impact on oral health: a paired study. Spec Care Dentist. 2013;33(6):262-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12015
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12015...
Previous studies have also pointed out the limited access of Brazilian individuals with disabilities to oral health care services, mainly in the public health setting.2828. Aromolaran A, Araujo K, Ladines-Lim JB, Nery N Jr, Rosário MS, Rastely VN Jr, et al. Unequal burden of Zika-associated microcephaly among populations with public and private healthcare in Salvador, Brazil. Int J Infect Dis. 2022 Jul;120:201-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.030
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.0...
,2929. Reis-Oliveira J, Costa BS, Borges-Oliveira AC, Abreu MH. Association between management, human resources, and care provided to patients with special healthcare needs in dental specialty centers in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. Spec Care Dentist. 2023;43(5):611-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12811.
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12811...
One of the main reasons for that is the reduced number of services dedicated to the oral health care of these patients and the unpreparedness of many professionals.2323. Prado HV, Carneiro NC, Perazzo MF, Abreu MH, Martins CC, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessing a possible vulnerability to dental caries in individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect the skeletal development. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019 Jun;14(1):145-52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-5
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-019-1114-...
,2727. Oliveira JS, Prado Júnior RR, Lima KRS, Amaral HO, Moita Neto JM, Mendes RF. Intellectual disability and impact on oral health: a paired study. Spec Care Dentist. 2013;33(6):262-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12015
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12015...
,2828. Aromolaran A, Araujo K, Ladines-Lim JB, Nery N Jr, Rosário MS, Rastely VN Jr, et al. Unequal burden of Zika-associated microcephaly among populations with public and private healthcare in Salvador, Brazil. Int J Infect Dis. 2022 Jul;120:201-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.030
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.0...

Oral diseases in individuals with CZS-associated microcephaly have been documented elsewhere.1212. Aguiar YP, Cavalcanti AF, Alencar CR, Melo AS, Cavalcanti SD, Cavalcanti AL. Chronology of the first deciduous tooth eruption in Brazilian children with microcephaly associated with Zika virus: a longitudinal study. Pesqui Bras Odontopediatria Clin Integr. 2018 Jan;18(1):3982. https://doi.org/10.4034/PBOCI.2018.181.16
https://doi.org/10.4034/PBOCI.2018.181.1...

13. Oliveira AM, Melo EG, Mendes ML, Oliveira SJS, Tavares CS, Vaez AC, et al. Oral and maxillofacial conditions, dietary aspects, and nutritional status of children with congenital Zika syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2020 Jul;130(1):71-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2020.02.019
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2020.02.0...

14. Ribeiro RA, Mattos A, Meneghim MC, Vedovello SA, Borges TM, Santamaria M Jr. Oral and maxillofacial outcomes in children with microcephaly associated with the congenital Zika syndrome. Eur J Orthod. 2021 Jun;43(3):346-52. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjaa036
https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjaa036...
-1515. Medina DT, Santos AP, Rodrigues FM, Oliveira BH. Oral manifestations of congenital Zika virus infection in children with microcephaly: 18-month follow-up case series. Spec Care Dentist. 2022 Jul;42(4):343-51. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12681
https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12681...
As these children grow and their stomatognathic complex develops, they show changes and they are more prone to non-communicable diseases such as gingivitis and dental caries. It is to be expected, however, that this group will have a greater demand for oral health care services in the future. Furthermore, some of the dental and maxillofacial changes exhibited by children with CZS-associated microcephaly may be linked to multiple aspects, including prematurity and low birth weight.3030. Guedes KM, Guimarães AM, Bastos AS, Salviano KG, Sales NJ, Almeida ML, et al. Stomatognathic evaluation at five years of age in children born premature and at term. BMC Pediatr. 2015 Mar;15(1):27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0343-6
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0343-...
In the present study, the percentage of enamel defects and dental anomalies, which are the most common oral alterations amongst premature and/or low birth weight individuals,3030. Guedes KM, Guimarães AM, Bastos AS, Salviano KG, Sales NJ, Almeida ML, et al. Stomatognathic evaluation at five years of age in children born premature and at term. BMC Pediatr. 2015 Mar;15(1):27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0343-6
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0343-...
was considerable among children with microcephaly. Such findings might be a confounding factor in understanding the relationship with the complications of congenital Zika infection; nevertheless, it was not possible to establish associations because of the low occurrence of these characteristics among the children assessed and the limited sample size.

Gomes et al.3131. Gomes PN, Amaral BA, Azevedo ID, Maia HCM, Arrais NM, Lima KC. Association of congenital Zika syndrome with dental alterations in children with microcephaly. PLoS One. 2022 Nov;17(11):e0276931. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276931
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.027...
have suggested that the presence of microcephaly and the resulting neurological damage may represent risk factors for oral alterations not exclusively due to Zika virus infection. This is in line with the hypothesis raised in the current study, which motivated us to use a comparison group with children with microcephaly not associated with CZS. No marked differences in the frequency of alterations were observed between the groups with CZS-associated microcephaly and non-CZS-associated microcephaly. This assumption is also corroborated by the findings of former studies in which children with microcephaly due to other causes had oral alterations similar to those detected here.2626. Gomes PN, Azevedo ID, Amaral BA, Arrais NM, Lima KC. Microcephaly as a risk factor for dental alterations: A case-control study. Oral Dis. 2023 Jul;29(5):2265-71. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.14199
https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.14199...
,3232. Alghamdi S. Oral facial manifestations of Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome: a literature review. Children (Basel). 2022 Mar;9(4):448. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040448
https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040448...

In the present study, all the children with CZS-associated microcephaly exhibited absence of lip sealing. Clinically, the absence of lip sealing may be due to factors such as malocclusion and/or hypotonia of the orofacial muscles, which, together, may contribute to the emergence or exacerbation of other complications.3333. Sajjadian N, Shajari H, Jahadi R, Barkett MG, Sajjadian A. Relationship between birth weight and time of first deciduous tooth eruption in 143 consecutively born infants. Pediatr Neonatol. 2010 Aug;51(4):235-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-9572 (10)60044-7
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-9572 (10)6...
The recent literature suggests a possible cascade of events in individuals with neurological damage.3434. Lautrou A. Croissance et morphogenèse du squelette cranio-facial: applications en orthopédie dento-faciale Les conceptions de J. Delaire. Orthod Fr. 2002 Mar;73(1):5-18. https://doi.org/10.1051/orthodfr/200273005
https://doi.org/10.1051/orthodfr/2002730...
,3535. Santos MTR, Masiero D, Novo NF, Simionato MR. Oral conditions in children with cerebral palsy. J Dent Child (Chic). 2003;70(1):40-6. Some authors believe that such alterations can cause a low tone that would trigger an inadequate lingual posture and, in some instances, dysphagia, thereby causing mouth breathing. These conditions result in malocclusion due to maxillary atresia and an ogival palate due to limitation of the adequate transverse growth of the maxilla.3434. Lautrou A. Croissance et morphogenèse du squelette cranio-facial: applications en orthopédie dento-faciale Les conceptions de J. Delaire. Orthod Fr. 2002 Mar;73(1):5-18. https://doi.org/10.1051/orthodfr/200273005
https://doi.org/10.1051/orthodfr/2002730...
,3535. Santos MTR, Masiero D, Novo NF, Simionato MR. Oral conditions in children with cerebral palsy. J Dent Child (Chic). 2003;70(1):40-6.

Besides malocclusion, absence of lip sealing and frequent mouth breathing can also lead to changes in the oral mucosa such as gingival hyperplasia,3636. Bhatia A, Sharma RK, Tewari S, Narula SC. A randomized clinical trial of salivary substitute as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for management of periodontal inflammation in mouth breathing patients. J Oral Sci. 2015 Sep;57(3):241-7. https://doi.org/10.2334/josnusd.57.241
https://doi.org/10.2334/josnusd.57.241...
as detected in more than 26% of the children examined. In fact, it is difficult to pinpoint a single factor as the cause of gingival hyperplasia in children with severe neurological impairment because various medications (e.g., anticonvulsants) used by these individuals may contribute to gingival overgrowth.3737. Devinsky O, Boyce D, Robbins M, Pressler M. Dental health in persons with disability. Epilepsy Behav. 2020 Sep;110:107174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107174
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107...
It is believed that there is a synergistic relationship between mouth breathing and a possible side effect of drugs, in addition to other factors such as inadequate oral hygiene.3838. Tunali E, Karacay S, Tabancali A, Imamoglu BS, Yildirim E, Arik T. Health of intraoral soft tissues in children with cerebral palsy and associated factors. Mucosa. 2021 Jun;4(2):41-9. https://doi.org/10.33204/mucosa.950761
https://doi.org/10.33204/mucosa.950761...
Yet, the mechanisms by which congenital Zika infection affects gingival tissues remain unclear.

The quality of oral hygiene among children with microcephaly has been mostly classified as inadequate. This status is caused by the inability and difficulty that parents/caregivers may have in performing effective oral hygiene2525. Teixeira AS, Santos PC, Batista AR, Albuquerque BN, Vasconcelos M, Borges-Oliveira AC. Assessment of oral hygiene in mentally disabled children. Rev Odonto Cienc. 2015 Sep;30(3):65-70. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6523.2015.3.12849.
https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6523.2015....
and/or by minimizing (often due to lack of knowledge) the need for periodic toothbrushing in view of the fact that most of these children are not fed by mouth.3939. Fregatto LF, Costa IB, Teixeira DB, Duarte JC, Mascarin AM, Silveira Junior SB, et al. Oral hygiene and oral microbiota in children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep;11(1):18090. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97425-x
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97425...
The impossibility of oral feeding in this population is due to the severe grade of dysphagia caused by neurological impairment. This complication makes this group of individuals more prone to episodes of bronchoaspiration, with the consequent need for feeding tubes.1111. Leal MC, Linden V, Bezerra TP, Valois L, Borges AC, Antunes MM, et al. Characteristics of dysphagia in infants with microcephaly caused by congenital Zika virus infection, Brazil, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis. 2017 Aug;23(8):1253-9. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2308.170354
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2308.170354...
,3939. Fregatto LF, Costa IB, Teixeira DB, Duarte JC, Mascarin AM, Silveira Junior SB, et al. Oral hygiene and oral microbiota in children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep;11(1):18090. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97425-x
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97425...
In this sense, it is necessary to maintain oral hygiene even in individuals on enteral nutrition, considering the possibility of infections caused by bacterial colonization in the oral cavity with the accumulation of biofilm and dental calculus.3939. Fregatto LF, Costa IB, Teixeira DB, Duarte JC, Mascarin AM, Silveira Junior SB, et al. Oral hygiene and oral microbiota in children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep;11(1):18090. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97425-x
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97425...
It is important to emphasize that the implications of poor oral hygiene for children with microcephaly go beyond possible systemic infections. Notoriously, dental caries is another condition that can be caused by the accumulation of biofilm.4040. Yadav K, Prakash S. Dental caries: a microbiological approach. J Clin Infect Dis Pract. 2017 Apr;2(1):1-5. https://doi.org/10.4172/2476-213X.1000118
https://doi.org/10.4172/2476-213X.100011...
Although in the present study the dental caries experience of the microcephaly group was low, the possibility of developing this condition cannot be ruled out.

The present study has limitations that should be taken into account. Because of its cross-sectional design and the use of a questionnaire to obtain data about the individual and medical history of the children, the study could not infer causal relationships also due to the risk of memory bias on the part of the respondents. We should also point out the difficulty in composing the microcephaly groups due to the absence of a single referral service for the health care of these affected individuals and due to unforeseen circumstances in their displacement to our service, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic during the research period. Nonetheless, this study also has strengths that should be highlighted. First, the use of two comparison groups, one of children with non-CZS-associated microcephaly and another one with normotypical children, in order to reduce possible influences of combined characteristics on the association between independent and dependent variables. Second, the results of this study consistently provided information about the possible complications of children with CZS-associated microcephaly in a region of Brazil that had not yet been investigated. Ultimately, the reported data provide sufficient theoretical support to direct clinical practices and to reinforce the incentive for oral health care in this population. In addition, follow-up studies of children with CZS-associated microcephaly are encouraged, in order to learn about and prevent oral diseases that may arise and, in turn, improve the quality of life of those who already have oral changes.

Conclusion

In summary, in a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions (absence of lip sealing, malocclusion, dental anomalies, and mucosal change) and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience. Our hypothesis that children with CZS-associated microcephaly and non-CZS-associated microcephaly would have similar oral condition and alterations was partially confirmed by our results.

Acknowledgements

This study was financed in part by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brazil - Finance Code 001; and Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (PRPq/UFMG). Mrs. E. Greene provided English editing of the manuscript.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    11 Mar 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    12 Apr 2023
  • Accepted
    13 Sept 2023
  • Received
    24 Nov 2023
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