Objective To evaluate the effects of the botulinum toxin (BTX-A) on muscle tone and joint mobility in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Methods This was a longitudinal case series carried out in a Support Center for Children with Microcephaly, located in Northeastern Brazil. We collected data from the institution's medical records, containing information about muscle tone and passive joint mobility measured at least 3 months before and 4 weeks after BTX-A application. Results We evaluated 13 children (9 boys) with a mean age of 77 ± 7.1 months. After BTX-A application, a bilateral reduction in the hypertonia level was observed in the elbow flexor ( p < 0.01) and hip abductor ( p < 0.05) muscles. Conclusion No changes were observed in joint mobility and no adverse effects were reported by caregivers after application. The use of BTX-A can reduce hypertonia in CZS children, with no impact on joint mobility.
Keywords: Zika virus infection; arthrometry articular; muscle hypertonia; muscle spasticity.
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