Epidemiological and clinical profile of microcephaly cases

Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of microcephaly cases in Recife, Pernambuco. Method: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study developed at a reference hospital for cases of microcephaly. Data were collected in August 2016 from the FormSUS system. All confirmed cases of microcephaly in the period from August 2015 to July 2016 were included, making up 180 cases. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: The majority of cases occurred in October and November 2015, with 55 (30.56%) and 52 (28.89%) cases, respectively. Serology for the Zika virus was reagent for 79 (43.89%) of the infants. The most prevalent symptom during gestation was exanthema 105 (57.3%). Furthermore, 150 (83.33%) of the children were born at full term, 78 (43.33%) presented percentiles between 10 and 50 in relation to weight and gestational age and 108 (60%) had -3 standard deviations in the comparison of head circumference with gestational age, thus considered to indicate severe microcephaly. Conclusions: It is necessary to guarantee comprehensive and specialized care for these children. Epidemiological and entomological surveillance and more effective control actions in the fight against the vector are necessary.