ZIKA VIRUS IN PREGNANCY 221 181
NARRATIVE REVIEW ON CLINICAL AND NEONATAL IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56579/verum.v6i1.3135Keywords:
Microcephaly, Neurodevelopment, Congenital SyndromeAbstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic, which intensified in Brazil in 2015, revealed severe clinical and social impacts, particularly during pregnancy and in child development. Given the relationship between maternal infection and Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), this narrative review integrates evidence on clinical, neuroradiological, and epidemiological aspects in order to support strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and follow-up of children exposed to the virus. Objective: To review the scientific literature on the clinical, neonatal, and epidemiological implications of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy, with emphasis on neurological and socioeconomic outcomes. A narrative review was conducted of articles published between 2017 and 2024 in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, as well as official documents, including studies addressing clinical and neuroradiological aspects, social determinants, and scientific controversies. The literature demonstrates a consistent association between ZIKV infection during pregnancy and Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), including microcephaly, motor, cognitive, and sensory impairments, as well as significant impacts on child development and family dynamics. Neuroradiological studies reveal structural brain lesions even in children without microcephaly, while epidemiological analyses highlight the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on the severity of outcomes. Divergences remain regarding the extent of damage in normocephalic children and the interaction between biological and social factors. The absence of specific treatment and safe vaccines, combined with the persistence of clinical and social repercussions, reinforces the need for continuous surveillance, preventive strategies, and multidisciplinary follow-up protocols for children exposed in utero to ZIKV.
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