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- RE: Zika as a Risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorders
We greatly appreciate the comments by Leyser and colleagues regarding the emerging literature on the neurodevelopmental effects of Zika virus infection and the importance of clinicians being aware of the increased risk for neurodevelopmental disability from congenital Zika as with other congenital infections. This emerging data on children infected with Zika prenatally points out the need for developmental screening and surveillance for autism spectrum disorders as well as other developmental and behavioral conditions for all potentially infected children. The studies to date support careful surveillance and screening of children exposed pre and perinatally to Zika virus infection for autism and other developmental disorders.
Competing Interests: None declared. - RE: Can Zika virus be responsible for a new autism spectrum disorder epidemic?
Marcio Leyser, MD, MSc, PhD*, Fernanda JP Marques, MD, Osvaldo JM Nascimento, MD, MSc, PhD
Address correspondence to: Marcio Leyser, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Iowa Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, 100 Hawkins Dr, 209B CDD, Iowa City, IA, USA [marcio-leyser@uiowa.edu], 319-356-8284.
We read with a strong enthusiasm the recent clinical report entitled “Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”, a guidance for the Clinician in Rendering Pediatric Care, from the AAP. Developmental disabilities comprise about 15% of pediatric outpatient consults and continues to be an everyday challenge for providers working in all levels of health care1. Early diagnosis is fundamental for early intervention as it positively impacts developmental and behavioral trajectories. The etiology involved in the pathogenesis of autism is said to be multifactorial, complex and highly heterogeneous, therefore, the possibility of novel acquired causative agents for ASD in the modern era likely remains high. This warrants continuous efforts to further identify new risk factors at both clinical and research levels.
Recently, Brazil has faced an unprecedented Zika virus epidemics, followed by the observation of a new nosological category: congenital Zika syndrome2. Based on a continuous need of further advance with the knowledge about this novel congenit...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.