BackgroundChildren with microcephaly due to vertical exposure to Zika virus are an interesting population for investigation. Highlighted among their unique aspects are those related to nutrition due to its impact on child growth and development. Knowledge about the nutrition of microcephalic infants can help mothers and caregivers provide better care. Thus, this study aimed to describe the nutritional status and feeding practices of infants with microcephaly due to Zika virus exposure at birth and 12–23 months of age.MethodsThis is a descriptive study developed from a cohort of patients attending a public institution of reference. A total of 65 infants attended outpatient nutrition clinics. The food practices were described using the 24-h food recall and food consumption indicators. Anthropometric measurements and consultations were made using the Child Health Handbook to obtain information on the nutritional status (weight, height and head circumference) at the time of consultation and birth.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in z-scores for weight, height and head circumference (HC) from birth to the time of the consultation. However, most infants did not show weight-for-height deficits. Additionally, HC was correlated with the anthropometric indices weight-for-age, height-for-age, body mass index-for-age and weight-for-height.ConclusionInfants exhibited a worsening of their nutritional status between birth and the time of their consultation, notably when we evaluated the indices of height and head circumference for age. The main inadequacies regarding dietary practices were low food diversity, use of ultra-processed products and low lipid intake.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the nutritional profile of newborns with microcephaly and factors associated with worse outcomes during the first 14 days of life.METHODS:This investigation is a longitudinal, descriptive study carried out in 21 full-term neonates exposed vertically to the Zika virus and hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit from February to September 2016. Patients receiving parenteral nutrition were excluded. Data analysis was performed using a generalized estimating equation model and Student’s t-test to evaluate the association between worsening weight-for-age z-scores and independent clinical, sociodemographic and nutritional variables during hospitalization, with p<0.05 indicating significance.RESULTS:During hospitalization, there was a decrease in the mean values of the weight-for-age z-scores. The factors associated with worse nutritional outcomes were symptomatic exposure to the Zika virus, low maternal schooling, absence of maternal income and consumption of infant formula (p<0.05). Calcification and severe microcephaly were also associated with poor nutritional outcomes. Energy and macronutrient consumption remained below the recommendations and had an upward trend during hospitalization.CONCLUSION:The presence of cerebral calcification, the severity of microcephaly and symptomatic maternal exposure to Zika virus affected the nutritional status of newborns. In terms of nutritional factors, human milk intake had a positive impact, reducing weight loss in the first days of life. Other known factors, such as income and maternal schooling, were still associated with a poor nutritional status.

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Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a adequação do ganho de peso gestacional total (GPT) segundo características maternas de adolescentes brasileiras. Estudo transversal e de base hospitalar. Foram incluídos 3.904 adolescentes com gestação de feto único e idade gestacional (IG) ao nascimento ≥ 37 semanas. Foi construído um modelo hierarquizado para analisar as variáveis dependentes e a adequação do GPT e das independentes: características sociodemográficas, assistenciais, obstétricas e comportamentais. As chances de GPT insuficiente foram maiores para as adolescentes do Norte (OR = 1,50; IC95%: 1,07-2,10) e Nordeste (OR = 1,68; IC95%: 1,27-2,21). O trabalho remunerado elevou as chances de GPT insuficiente (IC95%: 1,15-2,39) e excessivo (IC95%: 1,01-1,86). O índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional de sobrepeso ou obesidade associou-se ao GPT excessivo (OR = 1,86; IC95%: 1,19-2,92 e OR = 3,06; IC95%: 2,10-4,45, respectivamente), bem como a IG ≥ 42 semanas (OR = 2,23; IC95%: 1,03-4,81). Residir nas regiões Norte e Nordeste aumentou as chances de as adolescentes apresentarem GPT insuficiente. Exercer trabalho remunerado esteve associado a maior chance de GPT excessivo e insuficiente. Além disso, o sobrepeso ou obesidade pré-gestacional e IG ≥ 42 semanas ampliaram as chances de GPT excessivo.