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. 2023 Jan 6;35(1):e20210270.
doi: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212021270. eCollection 2023.

Alterations in deglutition in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome

Débora Rios  1 , Mino Rios  2 , Ana Caline Nóbrega  3 , Lia Bernadeth de Oliveira  4 , Daniel Vaz  1 , Henrique Sales  1 , Breno Lima de Almeida  5 , Leticia Serra Lopes  5 , Isadora Cristina de Siqueira  5 , Rita Lucena  1
Affiliations

Alterations in deglutition in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome

Débora Rios et al. Codas. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Purpose: To characterize swallowing in children with congenital Zika virus syndrome in comparison to typical children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 45 children diagnosed with congenital Zika virus syndrome and 45 others with typical development. Swallowing was evaluated through clinical feeding evaluations Protocolo de Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica and using acoustic swallowing parameters (Doppler sonar).

Results: The mean age of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome was 26.69 ± 4.46 months and the mean head circumference was 29.20 ± 1.98 cm. Moderate/severe oropharyngeal dysphagia was found in 32(71.1%) of the children with congenital Zika virus syndrome. Significant differences were found between the groups on clinical evaluation: Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome presented insufficient lip closure 42(93.3%) and altered tonus of the tongue 35(77.8%) and cheeks 34(75.6%). In the children in the comparison group, only 6(13.3%) presented insufficient lip closure and 1(2.2%) had inadequate tongue posture. Changes during swallowing with liquid and spoonable food were not observed in the comparison group. When liquid/food was offered, affected children presented difficulties in sipping movements 14(77.8%) and lip/spoon contact 35(75%). The presence of residual food in the oral cavity after swallowing 38(86.4%) and clinical signs indicative of laryngotracheal penetration/aspiration, such as coughing, gagging and/or labored breathing, were also notable. No differences were found between the groups with regard to the acoustic parameters evaluated instrumentally.

Conclusion: Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome present alterations in the oral phase of swallowing, as well as clinical signs indicative of pharyngeal phase impairment.

Objetivo: Caracterizar a deglutição das crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus e comparar com crianças típicas.

Método: Estudo de delineamento transversal, com 45 crianças diagnosticadas com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus e 45 típicas. A deglutição foi avaliada por meio de avaliações clínicas da alimentação através do Protocolo de Avaliação Clínica da Disfagia Pediátrica e dos parâmetros acústicos da deglutição (sonar Doppler).

Resultados: A idade média das crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika foi de 26,69 ± 4,46 meses e o perímetro cefálico médio foi de 29,20 ± 1,98 cm. Disfagia orofaríngea de moderada a grave foi observada em 32(71,1%) das crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus, ao contrário do grupo comparação que não revelou alterações na deglutição. Nas crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus foram verificados lábios entreabertos 42(93,3%) e tônus alterado em língua 35(77,8%) e bochechas 34(75,6%). Nas crianças do grupo comparação apenas 6(13,3%) apresentaram fechamento labial insuficiente e 1(2,2%) postura de língua inadequada. Alterações durante a deglutição com líquido e alimento pastoso não foram observadas no grupo comparação. Durante a oferta do alimento ocorreram dificuldades no movimento de sorver 14(77,8%), na captação da colher 35(75%), resíduo em cavidade oral 38(86,4%) e sinais clínicos indicativos de penetração/aspiração laringotraqueal como tosse, engasgo e respiração com esforço. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos parâmetros acústicos da avaliação instrumental.

Conclusão: as crianças com síndrome congênita do Zika vírus têm alterações nas fases oral e faríngea da deglutição, com sinais clínicos indicativos de penetração/aspiração laringotraqueal quando comparadas a crianças típicas.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests: nothing to declare.

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