BMJ: Congenital Zika syndrome with arthrogryposis: retrospective case series study - August 9, 2016

[sharon sanders]

Congenital Zika syndrome with arthrogryposis: retrospective case series study

BMJ2016; 354doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i3899(Published 09 August 2016)Cite this as: BMJ 2016;354:i3899


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Conclusions

Congenital Zika syndrome should be added to the differential diagnosis of congenital infections and arthrogryposis. The arthrogryposis was unrelated to the abnormalities of the joints themselves, but was possibly of neurogenic origin, with chronic involvement of central and peripheral motor neurones leading to deformities as a result of fixed postures in utero. Based on the neurophysiological observations, we suggest two possible mechanisms: tropism of neurones, with involvement of peripheral and central motor neurones, or a relation with vascular disorders.

http://www.bmj.com/content/354/bmj.i3899

 

[sharon sanders]

Scientists have now established a strong link between Zika and microcephaly, but Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of International Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said these latest findings, alongside other studies, also reveal more of Zika's harmful consequences.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that this virus can cause a wide range of other abnormalities including visual and hearing defects and brain damage in babies with normal sized heads," he said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-h...3fc7&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter