Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Neonatal Chikungunya: Follow-Up of a Series of Cases Till 1 Year.

OBJECTIVES Short- or long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of Neonatal Chikungunya infection haven't been well described. In this study, we describe neurodevelopmental outcomes of a series of 13 infants. METHODS Study was conducted over a period of 1 year in high-risk follow-up clinic. Follow-up visits were conducted at 3, 6, 9, 12 ± 3 months. PRIMARY OUTCOME Development Quotient by Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants. Secondary outcome: growth/anthropometric assessment, neuromotor/neurosensory and re-hospitalization rate. RESULTS DASII was <85 in three infants. Two other had expressive speech delay. Two, three and four babies had head circumference, length and weight below third centile, respectively. Two infants had persistent hypertonia and one had hypotonia. Two infants developed strabismus. Two infants had seizures persisting at 12 months requiring re-hospitalization. CONCLUSION Neonatal Chikungunya infection portends a poor neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year of age. Careful neurodevelopmental follow-up is required for identification and management of sequelae.