Fontes, Juliana Marin, Oliveira, Emmanuel Machado, Monteiro de Melo Prazeres, Tereza Cristina, Nisya de Oliveira Cruz, Glaura, Rizzini, Marta, Passos, Saulo Duarte, Lisboa, Lilian Lira, Ferreira de Araújo, Grace, Azevedo de Almeida, Valéria, Malacarne, Jociele, Emília de Domenico Garcia, Maria, Linhares Barreto, Lilian Cagliari, Calado, Adriano Almeida, Fernandes da Nóbrega, Luciana, Moura Nascimento Santos, Maria Júlia, Gonçalves, Rafael Pauletti, Farache, Luana, Feliciano da Silva, Maurício, Rizzo, Fábio Valente, and Dias da Silva, Luiz
Neurogenic bladder was first confirmed as a urological sequela of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in 2018. Further clinical–epidemiological evidence also confirmed neurogenic bowel dysfunction and cryptorchidism. To strengthen the care for these children, the Congenital Zika Virus Bladder and Bowel Sequelae Network (RASZ in Brazilian) was created, including six integrated centers in Brazil. This article represents the initial outcome of the efforts by RASZ. To evaluate the prevalence of bladder and bowel dysfunction, cryptorchidism and other urological sequelae related to CZS in cohorts attended in six Brazilian states. Observational, prospective, multicenter study including children with CZS assisted in one of six RASZ collaborative centers between June 2016 and February 2023. Data were collected from patient's first assessment using the same protocols for urological and bowel evaluation. Categorical variables were analyzed by frequency of occurrence and numerical variables by mean, median, and standard deviation. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committees of each center, all parents/caregivers provided written informed consent. The study included 414 children aged 2 months to 7 years (mean 2.77 years, SD 1.73), 227 (54.8 %) were male and 140 (33,8 %) referred urological and bowel symptoms on arrival. Prevalence of both urological and bowel sequelae was 66.7 %, 51 % of children aged 4 years and older had urinary incontinence (UI). UTI was confirmed in 23.4 % (two presented toxemia) and among males, 18.1 % had cryptorchidism. Renal ultrasonography, performed in 186 children, was abnormal in 25 (13.4 %), 7 had hydronephrosis. Among the 287 children who performed urodynamics, 283 (98.6 %) were altered: 232 had a lower bladder capacity, 144 a maximum bladder pressure of ≥40 cm H2O, and 127 did not satisfactorily empty their bladder. A higher prevalence of NLUTD, neurogenic bowel and cryptorchidism was confirmed in children with CZS. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including a multidisciplinary approach, may reduce the risk of UTIs, UI and kidney damage. A limitation of the study was the inability of children to complete the protocol, specifically urodynamic evaluation, and ultrasonography. In both exams, the percentage of abnormal cases was higher than that expected in the normal population. A 66,7 % prevalence of combined urological sequelae and bladder-bowel dysfunction related to CZS was confirmed in patients evaluated in six Brazilian cohorts. The most frequent changes were related to NLUTD, neurogenic bowel, and cryptorchidism. Prevalence may be underestimated due to access restrictions to diagnostic tests. Summary table Summary table Prevalence of main urological and intestinal abnormalities presented at first urological evaluation. Clinical aspects: N = 414 Urinary tract infection 97 (23.4) Constipation 316 (76.3) Physical examination: N = 227 Presence of cryptorchidism 41 (18.1) US of the urinary tract performed: N = 186 Normal 157 (84.4) Altered: 25 (13.4) Hydronephrosis 7 (28.0) Ureteral dilatation 3 (12.0) Bladder wall thickening 19 (76.0) Urodynamic evaluations: CMG N = 287 Normal 4 (1.6) Altered: 283 (98.6) Overactive bladder 239 (84.5) Bladder capacity lower than expected for age 232 (80.8) Maximum bladder pressure ≥40 cmH2O 144 (50.2) Incomplete voiding (>20 % of the MBC) 127 (44.3) EMG N = 219 Normal (detrusor-sphincter synergy) 155 (70.8) Altered: 61 (27.9) Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia 60 (98.4) Sphincter insufficiency 1 (1.6) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]