Clinical progression and predictors of outcomes in congenital Zika syndrome

2025

This R01 is designed to evaluate the evolution of symptoms associated with in utero Zika infections through longitudinal surveillance of a cohort of 189 severely impacted children and their families in Recife, Brazil. Since 2017, researchers at RTI International and the Altino Ventura Foundation (FAV) have partnered to study the consequences of CZS for children and families in Brazil through a FIC/NICHD funded R01 (1R01HD093572-0). This study, called Project Semear ("to sow"), has enrolled and retained 189 children with CZS, and conducted twelve rounds of assessments designed to understand the developmental, functional, and adaptive outcomes for children as well as family coping and adaptation. The cohort of children are currently 7-8 years of age, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of CZS as the children enter school and through pre-adolescence. The aims of this renewal focus on documenting the evolution of brain, eye, and skeletal deformities as the children age and to consider secondary (e.g. medical, developmental, behavioral), tertiary (e.g. pain, limited mobility), and family outcomes. The RTI-FAV partnership will expand to include investigators from UNC to support interpretation of imaging findings, as well as Purdue, to support administration and interpretation of heart-rate variability findings.

Developmental Disabilities, Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Specific Groups

Not Applicable

N/A