Sabrina A. Kabakov, OTD;* Rachel V. Spanton*; Elaina Razo; Erik Sanson; Christelle Cayton; Emmy Wanjiku; Jens Eickhoff, PhD; Karla K. Ausderau, OTR, PhD; Emma L. Mohr, MD, PhD
WMJ. 2024;123(6):562-568.
ABSTRACT
Background: Children with prenatal Zika virus exposure are at an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental deficits in early childhood. Travel to Zika virus-endemic regions during pregnancy elevates the risk of offspring developing complications. This study examined developmental outcomes of children from Wisconsin with maternal or partner travel history to Zika virus-endemic regions during pregnancy compared to gestation and age-matched controls.
Methods: A retrospective chart review compared outcomes of cases (n = 181) with prenatal travel history to Zika virus-endemic regions to gestational and birth date-matched controls (n = 172) up to 7 years old. We reported Zika virus testing and travel, birth outcomes, standardized developmental screening tests, and specialist referral rates.
Results: There were no differences in referral rates and standardized developmental screening test outcomes, but cases tended to have more referrals for early intervention compared to the controls (P = 0.059). One Zika virus-positive case was identified with complications surrounding birth, and 2.2% of children had documentation in their health records noting potential Zika virus exposure. Regardless of groups, limited referrals were made at 9 (0%), 18 (60%), and 24 (40%) months based on Ages and Stages Questionnaire-version 3 (ASQ-3) recommendations.
Conclusions: This study found similar developmental screening outcomes and referral rates between groups. Longitudinal care of children whose mothers traveled to Zika virus-endemic regions could be improved with better documentation of prenatal Zika virus exposure in the child’s medical record, use of standardized developmental screening tools at every recommended well-child visit, and referral when developmental screening test scores are low.