Cortical auditory response and language development in children with microcephaly by Zika virus

Objective This study proposes to assess the auditory and linguistic development of children with microcephaly due to maternal Zika virus infection and to understand the influence of this condition on auditory cortical responses and language development. Methods The cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the northeast of Brazil. Twenty children (mean age 27-months), of both sexes, with and without microcephaly due to Zika virus participated in the study. For auditory cortical responses, 40 natural /ba/ and /da/ monoaural speech sounds were presented at 70 dB HLeP. The Early Language Milestone Scale assessed the development status of auditory and visual functions related to language. For statistical analysis, covariance measures (ANCOVA) and Pearson's correlation tests were used. The Bonferroni post-hoc test was applied to significant F-values (p < 0.05). The Smart tools EP software was used to improve the investigation of the electrical response and to bring accurate and automated analyzes. Results Longer values were observed in the latency of the N1-P2 components and a higher N1 amplitude of the cortical responses in children with microcephaly. Changes in the scale showed a significant impairment in language development in these children. Smart showed abnormalities in the neurotransmission of acoustic characteristics related to frequency information in the auditory pathway in children with microcephaly. Conclusion The measurements of the study showed a pattern of atypical development of the auditory and linguistic system in children with microcephaly due to the Zika virus. Level of Evidence 3*.