scholarly journals COVID-19-Associated Encephalitis:  Systematic Review of Case ReportsFindings on Cytokine-Immune-Mediated Inflammation as an Underlying Mechanism

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusak M.T. Siahaan ◽  
Vivien Puspitasari ◽  
Aristo Rinaldi Pangestu
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Direct Invasion ◽  
Csf Analysis ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Stable Conditions ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Intravenous Steroids

Abstract Background : Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily attacks the respiratory system resulting to a disease called coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), several studies also reported the involvement of the central nervous system along the course of the disease, one of which manifest as encephalitis. This study aims to determine the clinical profile, laboratory, and imaging results of encephalitis associated with COVID-19.Methods : Three databases namely, PubMed / Medline, Embase, and Scopus were systematically used in the search for this literature, in order to gather case reports and case series related to COVID-19-associated encephalitis published from January 1, 2019 to July 20, 2020.Result: There were 24 studies with 33 cases included in this review. The most reported neurological symptoms were disorientation / confusion (72.72%), decreased consciousness (54.54%), and seizures (27.27%). The laboratory examination showed an increase in the levels of C-reactive protein (48.48%), lactate dehydrogenase (30.3%), and lymphophenia (27.27%). The brain imaging examination did not show any pathological findings in half of the cases (51.51%). EEG (electroencephalography) showed a generalized decrease in 45.45% of the cases. The CSF analysis showed an increase in the levels of protein (42.42%) and lymphocytosis (24.24%). Positive cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was only found in 3 cases, while the most widely used pharmacological agent was hyroxychloroquine (48.48%). Intravenous steroids were given in 8 cases, while immunotherapy such as plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin were given in 10 cases. Fifteen patients were reported to be discharged from the hospital in stable conditions, while four mortality cases were recorded. Conclusion: The clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings in this review supported the hypothesis that the process of cytokine-immune mediated inflammation was the cause of cerebral damage in COVID-19-associated encephalitis, rather than direct invasion. However, due to the limited availabile facilities in this study, further research and examination are needed to confirm the hypothesis

scholarly journals Cardio-Pulmonary Sequelae in Recovered COVID-19 Patients: Considerations for Primary Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110237
Author(s):  
Zouina Sarfraz ◽  
Azza Sarfraz ◽  
Alanna Barrios ◽  
Radhika Garimella ◽  
Asimina Dominari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Infection ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Care Physician ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infection Period

Background: Current literature lacks characterization of the post-recovery sequelae among COVID-19 patients. This review characterizes the course of clinical, laboratory, radiological findings during the primary infection period, and the complications post-recovery. Primary care findings are presented for long-COVID care. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 4 databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Scopus) through December 5, 2020, using the keywords “COVID-19 and/or recovered and/or cardiovascular and/or long-term and/or sequelae and/or sub-acute and/or complication.” We included published peer-reviewed case reports, case series, and cross-sectional studies providing the clinical course of COVID-19 infection, and cardiopulmonary complications of patients who recovered from COVID-19, while making healthcare considerations for primary care workers. Results: We identified 29 studies across 9 countries including 37.9% Chinese and 24.1% U.S. studies, comprising 655 patients (Mean Age = 45) with various ethnical backgrounds including Asian and European. Based on the WHO COVID-19 severity classification scale, initial disease severity was mild for 377 patients and severe for 52 patients. Treatments during primary infection included corticosteroids, oxygen support, and antivirals. The mean value (in days) for complication onset after acute recovery was 28 days. Complete blood counts and RT-PCR tests were the most common laboratory results described. In 22 of the studies, patients showed signs of clinical improvement and were prescribed medications such as anticoagulants or corticosteroids. Conclusion: Post-recovery infectious complications are common in long-COVID-19 patients ranging from mild infections to life-threatening conditions. International thoracic and cardiovascular societies need to develop guidelines for patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia, while focused patient care by the primary care physician is crucial to curb preventable adverse events. Recommendations for real-time and lab-quality diagnostic tests are warranted to establish point-of-care testing, detect early complications, and provide timely treatment.

scholarly journals Spectrum of Neurologic Complications after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Diseases in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5692-5692
Author(s):  
Maria Gavriilaki ◽  
Maria Mainou ◽  
Eleni Gavriilaki ◽  
Anna-Bettina Haidich ◽  
Sotirios Papagiannopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Neurologic Complications ◽  
Hematologic Diseases ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Impact On Survival

Introduction: Neurologic adverse events remain challenging complications with poor morbidity and mortality post adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for hematologic diseases. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine their spectrum, incidence and impact on survival. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EMBASE through March 2019 for studies published in English. We deemed eligible all types of primary studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled observational studies (both cohort and case control), case series and case reports. The eligibility criteria were: (a) adult population specified as patients fifteen years old or older, (b) alloHCT for hematologic diseases, (c) neurologic disorders' diagnosis. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted data and assessed risk of bias (RoB). The primary outcome being the incidence of neurologic complications was assessed in a form of a proportion of adult patients with the neurologic manifestation (n) from the total group of patients that received alloHCT for hematologic diseases (N). We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, including only cohort studies. Secondary outcome was impact of neurologic complications on overall survival of patients presented with symptoms after allo-HCT. Pre-planned sensitivity analysis integrating the risk of bias assessment by excluding studies evaluated as high risk was performed as well as prespecified subgroup analyses according to the type of neurologic event. Results: We identified 552 eligible studies describing 57.972 patients; one randomized controlled trial, two case-control, 17 prospective, 86 retrospective cohort studies, 21 case-series and 425 case-reports (PRISMA flow diagram). RoB ranged from fair to high although case-series were of low-risk. The majority of studies traced infectious or drug-related neurologic manifestations. Incidence rates of neurologic complications varied, according to type of complications and studies, from 0.6% for immune-mediated disorders in retrospective cohorts to 13% for drug-related events in prospective cohorts. In meta-analysis of proportions, we included only cohort studies, retrospective or prospective, with homogenous population to estimate a proportion. Neurologic clinical signs or symptoms were detected in 1415 out of 37450 [6.2% (95%CI 4.8-7.7), Ι2= 96.1% (p<0.001)] patients described in 78 included cohort studies. Heterogeneity of results remained high, even after sensitivity analysis excluding studies of high RoB. Infectious complications were present in 2.7% (95%CI 1.9-3.6) and 3.3% (95%CI 0.8-7.1) of patients in retrospective and prospective cohort studies respectively. In retrospective studies, 3.4% (95%CI 2.1-4.9) of patients suffered from drug-related neurologic events. In prospective cohorts, the equivalent incidence was 13% (95%CI 4.2-24.8). Other neurologic complications included cerebrovascular events, thrombotic microangiopathy, immune-mediated complications, relapse and metabolic events. Regarding the severity of neurologic complications and death rate in patients with outcome of interest, data were too diverse to provide any safe conclusion. Neurologic complications had a detrimental impact on survival depending on type of complication in various studies. Based on study type, high RoB in most of the included studies, as well as significant heterogeneity in results from observational data, high imprecision and suspected publication bias, quality of evidence was very low applying the GRADE tool. Conclusion: Our study highlights the wide spectrum and significant impact of neurologic complications on survival post alloHCT. This systematic review summarizes existing data and provides the necessary background information for every physician involved in the management of these patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Immune-Mediated Hematologic Complications of Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review of the Literature

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 5883-5883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Sallam ◽  
Irbaz Bin Riaz ◽  
Ronald S. Go
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Hemolytic Anemia ◽  
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Immune Neutropenia

Abstract Background: The incidence and types of hematologic complications from immune check point inhibitors are not well known. We conducted this review to describe immune-mediated hematologic complications reported in clinical trials, case series, and case reports. Methods: A pre-defined comprehensive search strategy was used to identify case reports, case series, and clinical trials using PubMed. Any study that reported hematologic complications was included. Data were extracted for demographic characteristics and occurrence of immune-mediated hematologic complications. We pooled the data to calculate the frequency of immune-mediated hematologic adverse effects. Results: A total of 689 of studies were retrieved using the search criteria and 75 were included in the analysis (31 case reports and case series and 44 clinical trials). There were 44 patients reported having immune-mediated hematologic complications, 4 of them in clinical trials. The complications included aplastic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cryoglobulinemia, graft versus host disease, hemophilia A (acquired), immune neutropenia, immune thrombocytopenia, macrophage activation syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, pure red cell aplasia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, the overall rates were very low, ranging from 1-2.2% in clinical trials. Immune thrombocytopenia was the most common (29.5%), followed by autoimmune hemolytic anemia (15.9%), and immune neutropenia (13.6%). Immune-mediated hematologic complications were reported in all classes of checkpoint inhibitors including anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), anti-programmed death ligand 1 (avelumab and durvalumab), and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitors (ipilimumab and tremelimumab). Among patients reported in case reports and case series, the median age was 57 years (range, 29-85) and most were males (52.9%). The majority of the complications occurred in patients treated with ipilimumab (38.8%), nivolumab (27.7%) and pembrolizumab (16.0%). The onset was usually within the first week of receiving the first dose but could occur up to 17 months after drug initiation. Indefinite discontinuation of the immunotherapy was the mainstay of treatment resulting in resolution of complications in the majority (74.5%) of the patients. Two patients were re-challenged with the same checkpoint inhibitor and one experienced a relapse of immune cytopenia (autoimmune hemolytic anemia). Conclusion: Immune-mediated hematologic complications associated with checkpoint inhibitors are rare. They are usually reversible after discontinuation of such treatment. Relapses may occur with re-challenge. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Visual disturbance following sclerotherapy for varicose veins, reticular veins and telangiectasias: a systematic literature review

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Willenberg ◽  
P C Smith ◽  
A Shepherd ◽  
A H Davies
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Foam Sclerotherapy ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Foam Production

The objective of the study was to review the literature reporting visual disturbance (VD) following sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Underlying mechanisms will be discussed. A literature search of the databases Medline and Google Scholar was performed. Original articles including randomized trials, case series and case reports reporting VD in humans following sclerotherapy for varicose veins were included. Additional references were also obtained if they had been referenced in related publications. The search yielded 4948 results of which 25 reports were found to meet the inclusion criteria. In larger series with at least 500 included patients the prevalence of VD following sclerotherapy ranges from 0.09% to 2%. In most reports foam sclerotherapy was associated with VD (19); exclusive use of liquid sclerosant was reported in two cases, some reports included foam and liquid sclerosant (4). There were no persistent visual disorders reported. VD occurred with polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulphate in different concentrations (0.25–3%). Various forms of foam preparation including various ways of foam production and the liquid – air ratio (1 or 2 parts of liquid mixed with 3, 4 or 5 parts of air) were reported in association with the occurrence of VD. VDs following sclerotherapy for varicose veins are rare and all reported events were transient. Bubble embolism or any kind of embolism seems unlikely to be the only underlying mechanism. A systemic inflammatory response following sclerotherapy has been suggested. Further research to clarify the mechanism of action of sclerosants is required.

scholarly journals Eosinophilic pancreatitis versus pancreatitis associated with eosinophilic gastroenteritis – a systematic review regarding clinical features and diagnosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larisa Pinte ◽  
Cristian Băicuș
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis ◽  
Eosinophil Infiltration ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background. Over the past years, eosinophil infiltration involving the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas leading to eosinophilic pancreatitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis and hypereosinophilic syndrome has been reported in the literature. We aimed to analyze and compare the features involving patients with eosinophilic pancreatitis and pancreatitis associated with eosinophilic gastroenteritis and to determine if there is a connection between the two disorders or if they in fact meet the diagnostic criteria for hypereosinophilic syndrome. Material and methods. The following search was performed in March 2019 on PubMed (MEDLINE) database using the medical terms “pancreatitis”, “eosinophilic pancreatitis”, “eosinophilic gastroenteritis” and “hypereosinophilic syndrome”. Results. The search revealed 119 publications from 1970 onwards. A total of 83 papers were excluded, and the remaining 36 publications, consisting in case reports and case series, were analyzed. From 45 patients, 20 subjects with eosinophilic gastroenteritis developed pancreatitis, 20/45 had eosinophilic pancreatitis, and 5/45 hypereosinophilic syndrome involving the pancreas. There was no significant difference regarding clinical, laboratory and imaging features between the three groups, despite the multiple theories that explain the association of pancreatic and gastrointestinal eosinophilic infiltration. Although there was a strong resemblance between the three groups, histological evidence of eosinophilic gastrointestinal infiltration guided the treatment towards a less invasive way, while subjects with eosinophilic pancreatitis underwent pancreatic surgery to exclude potentially malignant lesions. Conclusion. Although there are various theories that explain pancreatitis development in patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, hypereosinophilia diagnostic work-up should be taken into account in all patients with high number of blood eosinophils, even in those with eosinophilic pancreatitis in order to establish the diagnosis using a minimally invasive approach and to apply an adequate treatment.

scholarly journals Clinical, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of Neonatal-Onset Dubin–Johnson Syndrome in a Large Case Series From the Arabs

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Al-Hussaini ◽  
Badr AlSaleem ◽  
Hamad AlHomaidani ◽  
Ali Asery ◽  
Muhanad Alruwaithi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Far East ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Normal Liver ◽  
Neonatal Cholestasis ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Neonatal Onset ◽  
Johnson Syndrome

Background: There are only a few case reports and small case series on neonatal-onset Dubin–Johnson syndrome (DJS), particularly from Far-East Asia, Iranian and Moroccan Jews, and Europe.Objectives: In this first study from the Arabs and the largest series reported to date, we characterized the clinical, laboratory, and molecular features and outcome of gene-confirmed neonatal-onset DJS.Methods: We reviewed our database of 533 cases of neonatal cholestasis that presented to our center during the period from 2008 to 2019. We identified neonates with a disease-causing mutation in ABCC2 gene.Results: Twenty-eight neonates with DJS were diagnosed (5.3%). All of the 28 were full-term, well looking neonates without hepatosplenomegaly, with cholestasis, and normal liver synthetic function since the 1 week of life that resolved within 3–6 months of age, followed by a benign course punctuated by recurrent episodes of jaundice in 43% during a median follow up period of 9.25 (range 2.5–14 years). Alanine aminotransferase levels were within normal range in 26 patients (92%) and mildly elevated in two patients. ALT levels were significantly lower in neonates with DJS than in other cases with neonatal cholestasis from other causes (p &lt; 0.001). The median urinary coproporphyrin I% was 88% (IQ1–IQ3 = 84.2–92.7%). We identified four homozygous variants in the ABCC2 gene (from 22 unrelated families), one splicing variant (c.3258+1G&gt;A; p.?), and three were missense variants; two of which were novel missense variants [c.1594G&gt;A (p.Glu532Lys) and c.2439G&gt;C (p.Lys813Asn)]. The p.Gly758Val mutation has occurred in 23 patients (from 19 unrelated families).Conclusions: Our study suggests that normal ALT-cholestasis in a well-looking neonate should trigger evaluation for DJS. The p.Gly758Val variant in ABCC2 is the most predominant mutation among Arabs with “founder effects.” Identification of the predominant ABCC2 variant in any population is likely to facilitate rapid molecular analysis by future targeting of that specific mutation.

Cannabis-associated arteritis

VASA ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grotenhermen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Thromboangiitis Obliterans ◽  
Pathological Features ◽  
Scientific Support ◽  
Clinical And Pathological Features

Background: To investigate the hypothesis that cases of arteritis similar to thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and associated with the use of cannabis were caused by cannabis or THC (dronabinol), or that cannabis use is a co-factor of TAO. Patients and methods: A systematic review on case reports and the literature on so-called cannabis arteritis, TAO, and cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids was conducted. Results: Fifteen reports with 57 cases of an arteritis associated with the use of cannabis and two additional case series of TAO, in which some patients also used cannabis, were identified. Clinical and pathological features of cannabis-associated arteritis do not differ from TAO and the major risk factor of TAO, tobacco use, was present in most, if not in all of these cases. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of an arteritis by cannabis use are not substantiated. Conclusions: The hypothesis of cannabis being a causative factor or co-factor of TAO or an arteritis similar to TAO is not supported by the available evidence. The use of the term “cannabis arteritis” should be avoided until or unless more convincing scientific support is forthcoming.

Thrombosis in Cancer Patients Treated with Hematopoietic Growth Factors - A Meta-Analysis

1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (02) ◽  
pp. 368-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Barbul ◽  
G Finazzi ◽  
A Grassi ◽  
R Marchioli
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hematopoietic Growth Factors ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cytotoxic Treatment ◽  
Pertinent Data ◽  
Thrombotic Complications ◽  
Vascular Occlusions

SummaryHematopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are largely used in patients with cancer undergoing cytotoxic treatment to accelerate neutrophil recovery and decrease the incidence of febrile neutropenia. Clinical practice guidelines for their use have been recently established (1), taking into account clinical benefit, but also cost and toxicity. Vascular occlusions have been recently reported among the severe reactions associated with the use of CSFs, in anedoctal case reports (2, 3), consecutive case series (4) and randomized clinical trial (5, 6). However, the role of CSFs in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications is difficult to ascertain, because pertinent data are scanty and widely distributed over a number of heterogenous investigations. We report here a systematic review of relevant articles, with the aims to estimate the prevalence of thrombosis associated with the use of CSFs and to assess if this rate is significantly higher than that observed in cancer patients not receiving CSFs.

Herpetic Whitlow of the Hand in Infants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad M. Al-Qattan ◽  
Nada G. AlQadri ◽  
Ghada AlHayaza
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Secondary Bacterial Infection ◽  
Clinical Appearance ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mode Of Transmission ◽  
Time Of Presentation

Abstract Introduction Herpetic whitlows in infants are rare. Previous authors only reported individual case reports. We present a case series of six infants. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of six cases of herpetic whitlows in infants seen by the senior author (MMA) over the past 23 years (1995–2017 inclusive). The following data were collected: age, sex, digit involved in the hand, mode of transmission, time of presentation to the author, clinical appearance, presence of secondary bacterial infection, presence of other lesions outside the hand, method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results All six infants initially presented with classic multiple vesicles of the digital pulp. In all cases, there was a history of active herpes labialis in the mother. Incision and drainage or deroofing of the vesicles (for diagnostic purposes) resulted in secondary bacterial infection. Conclusion The current report is the first series in the literature on herpetic whitlows in infants. We stress on the mode of transmission (from the mother) and establishing the diagnosis clinically. In these cases, no need for obtaining viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction; and no medications are required. Once the vesicles are disrupted, secondary bacterial infection is frequent and a combination of oral acyclovir and intravenous antibiotics will be required.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

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