Effects in the development of children exposed to zika virus in the fetal period: an integrative review

Efectos en el desarrollo de niños expuestos al virus del zika en el período fetal: revisión integrativa

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To know the evidence available in the literature on the effects of the zika virus in children development after fetal exposure.

Methods:

This is an integrative literature review with 16 scientific articles found in five databases (PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus), based on the guiding question: “What are the effects in the development of children aged 0 to 6 years exposed to the zika virus in the fetal period? The STROBE statement was used for data extraction and evaluation of primary studies.

Results:

Exposure to the zika virus in the fetal period resulted in several congenital anomalies and/or changes in the central nervous system: microcephaly, ocular problems, neurosensorial problems, ventriculomegaly, intracranial calcification, cardiopathy, arthrogryposis, among others.

Conclusion:

The zika virus is neurotropic; its effect in the fetal nervous system causes irreparable damage to the child, so health professionals, especially nurses, must intensify maternal and also childcare.

Descriptors:
Fetus; Child, Preschool; Infant Development; Zika Virus; Central Nervous System Viral Diseases

RESUMEN

Objetivo:

Conocer las evidencias disponibles en la literatura sobre los efectos del virus zika en el desarrollo infantil postexposición en el período fetal.

Método:

Se trata de una revisión integrativa de la literatura con 16 artículos científicos encontrados en cinco bases de datos (PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science y Scopus), basada en la interrogación: “¿Cuáles los efectos en el desarrollo de niños de 0 a 6 años expuestos al virus zika en el período fetal?” Para extracción de datos y evaluación de estudios primarios, se utilizó la declaración STROBE.

Resultados:

La exposición al virus zika en el período fetal resultó en diversas anomalías congénitas y/o alteraciones en sistema nervioso central: microcefalia, problemas oculares, neurosensoriales, ventriculomegalia, calcificación intracraneal, cardiopatía, artrogriposis, etcétera.

Conclusión:

El virus zika es neurotrópico; su efecto en el producto fetal causa daños irreparables al niño, luego profesionales de salud, especialmente los enfermeros, deben intensificar el cuidado materno-infantil.

Descriptores:
Feto; Niño; Desarrollo; Virus Zika; Infección Viral del SNC

RESUMO

Objetivo:

Conhecer as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre os efeitos do vírus zika no desenvolvimento infantil pós-exposição no período fetal.

Métodos:

Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura com 16 artigos científicos encontrados em cinco bases de dados (PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science e Scopus), com base na pergunta norteadora: “Quais os efeitos no desenvolvimento de crianças de 0 a 6 anos de idade expostas ao vírus zika no período fetal?” Para a extração dos dados e avaliação dos estudos primários, utilizou-se a declaração STROBE.

Resultados:

A exposição ao vírus zika no período fetal resultou em diversas anomalias congênitas e/ou alterações no sistema nervoso central: microcefalia, problemas oculares, neurosensoriais, ventriculomegalia, calcificação intracraniana, cardiopatia, artrogripose, dentre outras.

Conclusão:

O vírus zika é neurotrópico; seu efeito no produto fetal causa danos irreparáveis à criança, portanto profissionais da saúde, em especial os enfermeiros, devem intensificar o cuidado materno-infantil.

Descritores:
Feto; Criança; Desenvolvimento; Vírus Zika; Infecção Viral do SNC

INTRODUCTION

The zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus of the Flaviridae family, which until 2007 caused sporadic infections in regions of Africa and Asia, but, in 2015, it reached the Americas with several confirmations of acute infections, such as congenital infection, which brought much repercussion by causing microcephaly in newborns whose mothers fell ill during pregnancy⁽¹⁾.

In fact, the circulation of the ZIKV from 2015 to 2016 in Brazil, and the increase in congenital malformations, triggered repercussions all over the world, which led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency of international proportion, because there were no cases in the scientific literature connecting such events⁽²⁾.

The main vector transmitting this arbovirus is the Aedes aegypti, but its transmission can happen sexually. Clinical manifestations are sometimes unspecific, leading most people who get sick to show no signs or symptoms. Among the most frequent symptoms are skin rash and itching⁽³⁾.

After the Brazilian outbreak prompted congenital malformations and changes in the central nervous system in newborns whose women were affected by the zika virus during pregnancy, this finding became known as “congenital zika syndrome”^(4)-5).

It is known that intrauterine development is an important period for growth and development of fetal organs and tissues, so some maternal infections that occur during this period may interfere with the process. As a result, certain infections caused by etiological agents and vertical transmission such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, herpes, and syphilis present teratogenic effects and interfere in fetal development. In addition to these diseases, when we add up zika infection, known for its teratogenic potential, the outcome is an epidemic occurrence of microcephaly and the association of other congenital malformations^(6)-7).

In the meantime, health professionals, especially nurses working in maternal and also child care, by knowing the effects of the zika virus in the intrauterine period, as well as its consequences throughout child development, will be able to promote unique care in prenatal and postnatal care, with actions to promote and prevent the health of pregnant women residing in areas of ZIKV transmission; and also adequate care for newborns and children exposed to the zika virus.

OBJECTIVE

To know the evidence available in the literature about the effects of ZIKV in children development after fetal exposure.

METHODS

Ethical Aspects

Since this is an integrative review, it was used primary studies in public domain, and not be necessary submission to the Research Ethics Committee. Therefore, all ethical aspects were carefully respected.

Design of the study

This is an integrative literature review, in which five stages were applied: elaboration of the research question, search in literature for primary studies, evaluation of primary studies, analysis of collected data and review presentation⁽⁸⁾. This method was considered the most appropriate to explore and define the existing literature available from scientific sources.

The research question prepared for the integrative literature review was: “What are the effects in the development of children 0 to 6 years old exposed to the zika virus in the fetal period? The PICo strategy was used to construct the guiding question, being “P” (population or problem) - children aged 0 to 6 years; “I” (situation of interest) - effect in child development; “Co” (context) - exposure to the zika virus in the fetal period.

The Guideline Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was used for data extraction and evaluation of selected primary studies, which refers to a checklist containing 22 items presenting recommendations on the data that should be described in observational studies⁽⁹⁾.

Sample and collection period

The following databases were searched for primary studies: PUBMED (National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature) via BVS (Virtual Health Library), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science e SCOPUS. The controlled descriptors were defined according to each database using the Medical Subject Headings - (MeSH), Descriptors in Health Sciences - (DeCS), CINAHL Headings and also defining the keywords.

The descriptors and keywords used in PUBMED, Web of Science e SCOPUS were: Child, Preschool; Infant Health; Infant, Newborn; Child Development; Neurodevelopment; Motor Skills; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Dengue; Chikungunya Fever; Zika Virus Infection (MESH) and Children; Child; Baby Health; Healthof Newborn Infants; Healthof the NewbornInfant; Newborn Infant Health; Neonate; Newborns; Development, Infant; Motor Skills; Child Mental Disorders; Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood; Break-bone Fever; Breakbone Fever; Classical Dengue; Classical Dengue Fever; Dengue Fever; Chikungunya Virus Infection; Fever Zika; ZikV Infection; Zika Fever; Zika Virus Disease (keywords).

As descriptors in LILACS via BVS, were used: Preschool children; Child, Preschool; Newborn; Breastfeeding child; Infant; Child Development; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Motor Skills; Dengue; Chikungunya Fever; Zika Virus (DeCS).

There were also used keywords in LILACS via VHL: Preschool Child; Preschool Children; Preschools; Newborn Child; Breastfeeding child; Newborn; Neonate; Newborn; Breastfeeding child; Preschool Development; Neur* Development Disorders; Neurdevelopment Disorder; Developmental Disorders Neur*; Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Motor Skill; Skill, Motor; Breakbone Fever; Dengue Fever; Dengue Virus Infection; Chikungunya Virus Infection; Zika Fever Virus; ZIKV; Zikavirus.

In CINAHL: Child, Preschool /PF; Infant Health; Infant, Newborn; Child Development; Motor Skills; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Dengue; Chikungunya; Fever Zika Virus Infection (CINAHL Headings); Baby Health; Healthof NewbornInfants; Healthof the NewbornInfant; Newborn Infant Health; Child Development; Motor Skills Disorders; Dengue Fever; Fever, Dengue; Chikungunya Virus Infection; ZIKV; Zika; ZikaV (synonym/entry term).

Therefore, after the search for descriptors and keywords, it was developed the database search strategy, using Boolean operators “OR” or/and “AND” to separate descriptors and keywords. After selecting the databases and defining the search strategy, the selection of primary studies began, which took place between the months of September and November 2019. Finally, the sample consisted of 16 articles eligible for this review.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

As inclusion criteria, it was defined the primary studies whose authors investigated the effects of the zika virus in children’s development after exposure in the fetal period, without applying filters regarding language, textual integrality of the articles and period limitation. The exclusion criteria were non-observational studies, case reports, editorial letters, theses, and dissertations.

Based on the results found, the studies were pre-selected at each base by reading titles and abstracts. The studies that achieved eligibility were selected and exported to Endnote online. Filters were then applied to duplicate studies, books, dissertations, theses, and other studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria.

Subsequently, the primary studies were read in their entirety. At that stage, the study design was verified, including the observational, cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. The steps described were performed independently by two reviewers. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, it was obtained a sample of 16 studies, which are presented in Figure 1, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)⁽¹⁰⁾.

Figure 1
flowchart of primary studies selection, adapted from PRISMA, Brazil, 2019

Analysis of Results

The data analysis was performed in a descriptive manner. The selected studies were evaluated through STROBE, in which every item received a score of 0 or 1 and was later transformed into a percentage. It was considered of good quality the primary studies with a percentage higher than 40%.

Then, two charts were built. The first shows data from the publication: authors and year, title, type of study and percentage of STROBE. The second chart provides the following information: authors and year, objective, location of the study, sample, and main results. Thus, the results were presented according to the outcomes revealed in the studies.

RESULTS

Of the 16 studies selected, all presented good quality (> 40%) in relation to the items on the STROBE checklist, according to Chart 1.

Chart 1
Characterization of primary studies included in the integrative review, regarding the quality of STROBE, Brazil, 2019

Author, (year)	Title	Type of Study	STROBE
Lage et al., (2019)(11)	Clinical, Neuroimaging, and Neurophysiological Findings in Children with Microcephaly Related to Congenital Zika Virus Infection	Transversal Retrospective	63,3%
Rochaet al., (2019)(12)	Virus Infection and Microcephaly: A Case-Control Study in Brazil	Exploratory case control	90,9%
Trigueiro et al., (2019)(13)	Correlation between Cephalic Circumference at Birth and Ocular Alterations in Patients with Microcephaly Potentially Associated with Zika Virus Infection	Cohort	63,6%
Portnoi et al., (2019)(14)	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	Cohort	59%
Einspieler et al., (2019)(15)	Association of Infants Exposed to Prenatal Zika Virus Infection With Their Clinical, Neurologic, and Developmental Status Evaluated via the General Movement Assessment Tool	Cohort	95,4%
Ventura et al., (2019)(16)	Early Gross Motor Development Among Brazilian Children with Microcephaly Born Right After Zika Virus Infection Outbreak	Prospective observation	63,6%
Cortes et al., (2018)(17)	Clinical Assessment and Brain Findings in a Cohort of Mothers, Fetuses and Infants Infected with ZIKA Virus	Longitudinal Cohort	72,7%
Subissi et al., (2018)(5)	Zika Virus Infection during Pregnancy and Effects on Early Childhood Development, French Polynesia, 2013-2016	Case-control study	77,2%
Tsui et al., (2018)(18)	Eye Findings in Infants With Suspected or Confirmed Antenatal Zika Virus Exposure.	Cohort	77,2%
Zin et al., (2018)(19)	Visual Function in Infants with Antenatal Zika Virus Exposure	Transversal	59,0%
Hoen et al., (2018)(20)	Pregnancy Outcomes after ZIKV Infection in French Territories in the Americas	Prospectivo Cohort	66,6%
Pinato et al., (2018)(21)	Sleep Findings in Brazilian Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome	Cohort	59,0%
Françaet al., (2018)(22)	Growth and Development of Children with Microcephaly Associated with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome in Brazil	Observational, analytical and transversal	77,2%
Wheeleret al., (2018)(23)	Skills Attained by Infants with Congenital Zika Syndrome: Pilot Data from Brazil	Cohort	45,4%
Orofino et al., (2018)(24)	Cardiac Findings in Infants within Utero Exposure to Zika Virus - a Cross Sectional Study	Transversal	68,1%
Kikuti et al., (2016)(25)	Congenital Brain Abnormalities during a Zika Virus Epidemic in Salvador, Brazil, April 2015 to July 2016	Cohort	45,4%

All primary studies have been published in English. Regarding the countries of origin of those studies, we observed that 75% were carried out in Brazil (n = 12); 6.2% in Colombia (n = 1); 6.2% in French Polynesia (n = 1); 6.2% in French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique (n = 1); and 6.2%, carried out concomitantly in two countries: Brazil and Australia (n = 1). As to the publication period, it was observed that nine studies (56.2%) were published in 2018; six in 2019 (37.5%); and one in 2016 (6,2%).

The results presented in this review show the effects in child development in prenatal exposure to ZIKV. The evidence found revealed neurological abnormalities and/or congenital malformations in the 16 studies.

Thus, in ten studies (62.5%) was observed the presence of microcephaly; in seven (43.7%), ocular alterations such as nystagmus or visual impairment; in four (25%), ventriculomegaly; in three (18.7%), subcortical calcifications, alterations in fine motor development, arthrogryposis; in two (12.5%), cortical development malformation, cerebral atrophy, cerebral palsy with microcephaly, changes in motor and cognitive development and hearing loss; and in one (6.25%), convulsions, restless movements at 12 months without microcephaly, changes in sleep pattern, severe hypertonia and heart malformation^(5),11)-25).

Chart 2 shows the authorship, year, objectives of the studies, place of origin, sample and main results achieved.

Chart 2
Characterization of primary studies included in the review, according to the profile of children born whose mothers had zika infection, Brazil, 2019

Author (year)	Objective	Local	Sample	Main results
Lage et al., (2019)(11)	Describe the clinical, neuroimaging and neurophysiological findings of children with congenital microcephaly diagnosed at birth, associated with ZIKV congenital infection.	Brazil	102 newborns with microcephaly	Severe microcephaly (54.9%), cerebral malformations (100%); cerebral atrophy (92.1%), ventriculomegaly (92.1%), malformation of cortical development (85.1%) and subcortical calcifications (80.2%); abnormalities in neurological examinations (97.0%), seizures (56.3%) and arthrogryposis (10.8%); hearing loss (17.3%) and visual impairment (14.1%) of breastfeeding infants.
Rocha et al., (2019)(12)	Identify factors associated with the diagnosis of microcephaly in newborns, including zika virus infection.	Brazil	58 children with microcephaly and 116 controls	The chance of having a newborn with microcephaly was 14 times higher among mothers who had infection with zika virus (p < 0,001).
Trigueiroet al., (2019)(13)	Describe the profile of children with microcephaly, whose mothers had zika infection during pregnancy.	Brazil	20 newborns with microcephaly	Eye alterations (70%) and macular atrophy (30%). Eye alterations varied from normal to paleness and hypoplasia of the optic nerve, dispersion of the pigment epithelium of the retina in the macular region and chorioretinal macular atrophy.
Portnoi et al., (2019)(14)	Assess visual acuity and development of visual acuity in children exposed to the zika virus in pregnancy.	Brazil	23 exposed children and 24 infected children	Abnormal visual acuity was found in 5 out of 24 children infected with ZIKV. Of the four children with microcephaly, two had loss of visual acuity and one had abnormal result in the retina examination.
Einspieler et al., (2019)(15)	Perform general movement assessment among children from 9 to 20 weeks of age; and assess neurological development at 12 months of age in children exposed to prenatal care to ZIKV and in paired controls.	Brazil / Australia	111 exposed children and 333 control children	Of the exposed children, 50.4% had abnormal neurological development and no microcephaly. Of the ten children exposed to ZIKV without microcephaly at 12 months of age, seven had no restless movements. Children with microcephaly had bilateral spastic cerebral palsy; none had normal movements.
Venturaet al., (2019)(16)	To evaluate the gross motor development of children with supposedly congenital zika virus infection in the first two years of life.	Brazil	77 children (ages 11, 18 and 24 months)	All children evaluated in the study showed clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy (PC) at 2 years of age. Seventy-four (96.1%) showed motor skills similar to children aged 4 months or less, and 73 (94.8%) children had quadriplegia. No significant difference (p = 0.076) was found between 18 and 24 months.
Cortes et al., (2018)(17)	To evaluate the prevalence of microcephaly and the frequency of abnormalities based on imaging examinations; and to obtain additional information from placental and fetal histopathological evaluations and postnatal clinical evaluations.	Colombia	12 newborns	The main abnormalities found in the MRI examination were (11/12; 91.7%) calcifications and ventriculomegaly, abnormalities of the corpus callosum (12/12; 100%), cortical malformations (8/9; 89%). At birth, most of the affected neonates (55.6%-77.8%) presented measurements of PC > 3 and standard deviation below medium.
Subissi et al., (2018)(5)	Determine the temporal association of a cluster of congenital defects with zika virus infection	French Polynesia	21 cases and 102 controls	Microcephaly (33.3%) and brain stem dysfunction characterized by inability to suck and swallow (23.8%), among other congenital defects in the CNS (42.8%). Ventriculomegaly (28%) and arthrogryposis (14,2%).
Tsui et al., (2018)(18)	Characterize the ophthalmic manifestations of confirmed or suspected prenatal exposure to zika virus (ZIKV)	Brazil	224 breastfeeding infants	Abnormalities in the CNS (40.2%), including microcephaly (27.7%). Eye abnormalities were found in 49 of 90 infants (54.4%) and correlated with the presence of CNS findings (odds ratio 14.9; 95% CI: 7.3-30.3; p < 0.0001). Of the children without microcephaly or other abnormalities in the CNS, 3.7% had ocular abnormalities.
Zin et al., (2018)(19)	To evaluate visual function in breastfeeding infants with confirmed or suspected prenatal exposure to infecction by ZIKV during the outbreak of zika.	Brazil	173 children with microcephaly	Of the children evaluated, 49.1% presented abnormal findings in the CNS; 35.8%, microcephaly; and 13.3%, other abnormalities in the CNS without microcephaly. Abnormal visual function was present in 30% of children; eye alterations in 26%; nystagmus in 15,6%.
Hoen et al., (2018)(20)	Estimate the risk among pregnant women with symptomatic ZIKV infection.	French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique	546 pregnant women with ZIKV	Neurological and ocular abnormalities associated with ZIKV infection were observed in 39 newborns (7.0%; CI: 95%, 5.0 to 9.5). Microcephaly was detected in 32 fetuses and newborns (5.8%): in 1.6%, it was severe; in 1.6%, it was moderately disproportionate; and in 2.5%, it was moderately proportional. Severe microcephaly or other brain abnormalities were observed in 17 fetuses and newborns (3,1%).
Pinato et al., (2018)(21)	Investigate the sleep characteristics of newborns/breastfeeding infants (88 with CZS and 48 with healthy development, age, and paired sex) using the Child Sleep Questionnaire.	Brazil	136 newborns and infants	Of children with CZS, 34.1% had poor sleep; 3.5% had more than three night awakenings; 15% were awake at night for more than an hour; and 24% had less than nine hours of total sleep time. The average time to start sleeping at night was later for the CZS group. When the duration of night sleep was analyzed, 51% of the CZS group and 20.8% of the healthy group had less than nine hours of sleep.
França et al., (2018)(22)	To evaluate the growth and development of children with CZS compared to healthy children.	Brazil	Children CZS (n = 08) / Children with no CZS (n = 16)	The average growth rate was lower in the group of children with CZS (p < 0.05) in weight and cephalic perimeter measurements at 20.5 months of age. There was a significant difference (p = 0.000) in cognitive and motor performance between the groups.
Wheeler AC, (2018)(23)	Describe the developmental profile of breastfeeding infants with CZS in skills achieved at 16 months of age.	Brazil	52 children with CZS	Of the children, 81% had severe hypertonia and multiple contractures; 83.8% had visual impairment, of which 41.9% had severe impairment; 17% had hearing impairment; 11% had arthrogryposis. No child showed age-appropriate motor skills. Only one (1.9%) was able to sit without support or walk without support. About 50% did not hold a small object in their hands and was unable to drink liquid in a glass.
Orofino et al., (2018)(24)	Report echocardiographic (ECO) findings in infants with laboratory confirmed prenatal exposure to ZIKV.	Brazil	120 children with prenatal exposure to ZIKV	Of the children, 40% presented alterations observed in echocardiography, while 10.8% had heart defects such as interatrial communication, ventricular interatrial communication, and persistence of the ductus arteriosus. The frequency of heart defects was observed in newborns that were exposed in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy or in those in which the image examination of the (CNS) was altered in the postnatal period or in premature.
Kikuti et al., (2016)(25)	Describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of the outbreak of congenital brain abnormalities; and assess the accuracy of different screening criteria of the cephalic perimeter	Brazil	365 newborns	Congenital brain abnormalities (45.5%), intracranial calcifications and ventriculomegaly (86,1%).

DISCUSSION

The primary studies grouped in this review showed evidence of exposure to ZIKV in the fetal period and the post exposure effects in newborns (NBs) and breastfeeding children. Neurological abnormalities and/or congenital malformations were present in all studies^(5),11)-25). Microcephaly (62.8%)^(5),11)-20) was predominant, however other studies have reported the occurrence of alterations in the central nervous system and multiple malformations^(12),21)-25).

The increasing number of births of microcephalic newborns and exposure to ZIKV during pregnancy were the first evidence observed in the scientific literature that occurred in the maternal-infant outcome. For Brady et al^.((26) and Noronha et al.⁽²⁷⁾, there was a temporal association between the increase in cases of microcephaly and the Zika epidemic; the infection that occurred in the first two quarters is considered to be of greater risk for pregnant women living in areas with ZIKV presence. In the study by Rocha et al.⁽¹²⁾, microcephaly in newborns was 14 times higher among those exposed to prenatal ZIKV. In another study, with 224 children, 90 (40.2%) presented changes in the central nervous system, such as microcephaly⁽¹⁸⁾.

Moreover, ZIKV is teratogenic, and besides microcephaly, 12 studies (75%) have found other brain abnormalities compromising neural development^{(5),11),15)-25)}. In this context, ventriculomegaly^{(5),11),17),25)} was found in 25% of studies; subcortical calcifications^(11),17),25), in 18.7%; and malformation of cortical development and cerebral atrophy^(11),17), in 12.5%. Other anomalies identified in smaller proportion were corpus callosum agenesis and lissencephaly^(11),17),25).

In addition, it was revealed the presence of brain abnormalities in newborns with or without microcephaly. Other neurological manifestations were also discovered, such as seizures and restless movements at 12 months of age^(11),15). It was observed that the harmfulness of ZIKV infection to the fetal product was not restricted to congenital microcephaly.

Zika virus neurotropism was found in viral proteins in glial cells, endothelial cells, and brain tissue, and also detected in localized lesions in the white matter of the brain. These findings contribute to the understanding of the interaction between the virus and the host cells⁽²⁷⁾.

Because it is neurotropic and has a predilection for the central nervous system, the ZIKV is able to remain for a long time in that area, causing neurotoxicity. Thus, although the pregnant woman no longer presents any symptoms, the ZIKV continues to cause damage to the fetal central nervous system. The presence of ZIKV was detected in the fetal brain, placenta, membrane and umbilical cord, showing high viral load^(28)-29).

Only two studies (12.5%)(11,23) showed signs suggestive of sensorineural changes: in both, nearly 17% of children had hearing loss. Other evidence in this review was visual acuity abnormalities, reported in eight studies (43.7%)^{(11),13)-14),18)-19),23)}. In a cohort of 173 children with microcephaly, 30% presented abnormalities in vision; of these, 50% had nystagmus⁽¹⁹⁾. In another study with 90 children, 49 (54.4%) had abnormalities of vision. Therefore, correlating the alterations in the central nervous system and ophthalmic manifestations, children exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy and who did not have microcephaly, had ophthalmic abnormalities to a lesser extent (n = 5; 3,7%)⁽¹⁸⁾.

Abnormalities in the visual field are present in children exposed to ZIKV in the fetal period, even in those who did not present microcephaly and/or central nervous system alterations. The most common abnormalities reported in other studies were chorioretinal atrophy, abnormalities in the optic nerve (hypoplasia and cupping of the optic disc), foveal reflex, macular neuroretinal atrophy. In this study, there were not found visual field changes in a newborn without microcephaly⁽³⁰⁾.

From the studies observed in this review, it was understood that children born to mothers exposed to the ZIKV, whether or not they have microcephaly, should receive a visual field evaluation, and be attended for a long period. Then, arises the importance of early diagnosis and periodic follow-up of these children, which should be prioritized by the department of public health.

Thus, ophthalmic alterations, joint contractures and excessive scalp skin were reported in a study associated with congenital ZIKV infection⁽²⁹⁾. In this review, congenital heart disease was related to exposure to ZIKV in the fetal period, presented in 14% of premature newborns, in 10% of breastfeeding children whose mothers were exposed to ZIKV in the second trimester of pregnancy, and in 11% of breastfeeding children who had results from imaging exams with alterations in the central nervous system. None of the newborns had severe heart defects⁽²⁴⁾.

In this sense, congenital heart disease was associated with CZS, found in a lower proportion (6.25%) in this review. Other studies also point to the birth of newborns with arthrogryposis^(5),11),23), causing damages to the motor development of these children.

Certainly, children exposed to the ZIKV in the prenatal period present, in the short or long term, changes in motor and/or cognitive development, even those without evidence of microcephaly.

Regarding the evaluation of gross motor development in 80 children diagnosed with CZS, all have received clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy⁽¹⁶⁾. In another study it was found a delay in cognitive development and extremely low motor development⁽²²⁾. Still in the study from France et al.⁽²²⁾, children not exposed to ZIKV revealed normal cognitive and motor development.

The fine motor development of infants with CZS at 16 months was compromised as they showed no social interest and were not able to drink liquids in a cup held by the caregiver. In this study, sleep was not considered a problem for most breastfeeding children, however none of them showed age appropriate skills⁽²³⁾.

Following the sleep characteristics of 136 newborns and breastfeeding children, it was observed that 34.1% of children with CZS had poor sleep, 3.5% woke up more than three times at night, 15% were up more than one hour at night and 24% had less than nine hours of total sleep time⁽²¹⁾.

In this context, maternal-fetal infection by ZIKV is a public health problem. The exposure of the fetus to the zika virus can happen in any gestational period, with the potential to cause serious problems for childhood neurodevelopment. The findings uncovered in this study point to the need for early intervention in childcare. Children with CZS need special lifetime health care, and careful surveillance is required for potentially affected neonates and their families^(11),23). Monitoring by health professionals, doctors and nurses from prenatal care, child growth and development is paramount for the prevention and reduction of ZIKV damage.

Study limitations

The application of STROBE has limited the selection of studies, since only primaries studies observations were selected, while others, which could offer additional information, were excluded because they did not fit the instrument.

Contributions to Nursing, Health or Public Policy

The results presented in this review contribute to better maternal and child health care. In territories with circulation of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and zika virus, it is necessary that health professionals know the effects of ZIKV on the fetal product and child development. Thus, nurses and other professionals working in Primary Health Care, through their knowledge of this information, can contribute to the promotion and prevention of maternal and child health.

CONCLUSION

In this integrative review were found surveys that highlighted the effect of the zika virus on the fetal product and the irreparable damage that occurred in childhood development. The studies evaluated newborns and breastfeeding children in which were found congenital malformations and other CNS alterations, especially microcephaly, cerebral atrophy, ventriculomegaly, subcortical calcifications, nystagmus, cerebral palsy, altered sleep pattern, hearing and visual impairment, congenital heart diseases and arthrogryposis.

Considering that there are many countries with circulation of Aedes aegypti and/or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, actions to control these vectors must be intensified, as well as the development of health promotion actions for couples who wish to become pregnant and pregnant women, alerting them to the harm caused by the ZIKV.

Knowing that the first years of a child’s life are important for neurodevelopment, the evaluation of acquired skills allows health professionals to identify delays in child development, which may be affected by several risk factors, such as prenatal exposure to the ZIKV. Timely identification of developmental delay and early positively stimulation positively favor neuropsychomotor development.

Health professionals, especially nurses, are recommended to intensify maternal and childcare, promoting the health of the dyad, from gestation, through birth, to the 24 months of life of the child. The children’s health booklet is an important working tool for professionals to carry out an integral monitoring, so as to identify early changes in the child’s growth and development.

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Edited by

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Dulce Barbosa

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Ana Fátima Fernandes

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  11 Nov 2020
• Date of issue
  2020

History

• Received
  21 Jan 2020
• Accepted
  18 July 2020