Abstract
BackgroundChildren with microcephaly due to vertical exposure to Zika virus are an interesting population for investigation. Highlighted among their unique aspects are those related to nutrition due to its impact on child growth and development. Knowledge about the nutrition of microcephalic infants can help mothers and caregivers provide better care. Thus, this study aimed to describe the nutritional status and feeding practices of infants with microcephaly due to Zika virus exposure at birth and 12–23 months of age.MethodsThis is a descriptive study developed from a cohort of patients attending a public institution of reference. A total of 65 infants attended outpatient nutrition clinics. The food practices were described using the 24-h food recall and food consumption indicators. Anthropometric measurements and consultations were made using the Child Health Handbook to obtain information on the nutritional status (weight, height and head circumference) at the time of consultation and birth.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in z-scores for weight, height and head circumference (HC) from birth to the time of the consultation. However, most infants did not show weight-for-height deficits. Additionally, HC was correlated with the anthropometric indices weight-for-age, height-for-age, body mass index-for-age and weight-for-height.ConclusionInfants exhibited a worsening of their nutritional status between birth and the time of their consultation, notably when we evaluated the indices of height and head circumference for age. The main inadequacies regarding dietary practices were low food diversity, use of ultra-processed products and low lipid intake.
Highlights
Microcephaly is a condition in which the head circumference measurement is smaller than the typical range of values for children of the same age and gender [1, 2]
The maternal infection with Zika virus was considered in the presence of symptoms and positive result of the transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) during pregnancy
Concerning nutritional status at 12–23 months, the anthropometric indices of W/A, body mass index-for-age (BMI/A) and W/H were within the parameters of adequacy for most infants
Summary
Is a condition in which the head circumference measurement is smaller than the typical range of values for children of the same age and gender [1, 2]. Among the characteristics to be Nutritional assessment is one of the components of child health care that can be encompassed by their primary care [8], and information related to the nutrition of infants with microcephaly can help mothers and health care providers. This study aimed to describe the nutritional status and dietary practices of microcephalic infants vertically exposed to the Zika virus at birth and 12–23 months of age. Children with microcephaly due to vertical exposure to Zika virus are an interesting population for investigation. Highlighted among their unique aspects are those related to nutrition due to its impact on child growth and development. This study aimed to describe the nutritional status and feeding practices of infants with microcephaly due to Zika virus exposure at birth and 12–23 months of age
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