THE IMPACT OF EARLY INTERVENTION IN CHILDREN WITH MÖEBIUS SYNDROME

• Grant number: 18/15460-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2019
• End date: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Mirian Hideko Nagae Espinosa
• Grantee: Mirian Hideko Nagae Espinosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Maria Cecília Marconi Pinheiro Lima ; Vera Lúcia Gil da Silva Lopes

Abstract

Möebius syndrome is a congenital disorder that affects the facial and abducent nerve in the first months of gestation. Although considered a rare disease, it presents some peculiarities in underdeveloped countries, among them Brazil, because its etiology may be caused by the use of abortive drugs such as Cytotec. Although banned since 1993, it is widely found on the underground market and used in the face of unwanted pregnancies. In Möebius Syndrome from birth the face is expressionless and the baby can´t close his eyes. The intensity of sequelae, however, is probably variable due to the timing and intensity of medications used by the mother. Exams that measure the level of changes, however, such as electromyography are invasive and painful and magnetic resonance imaging are indicated to be performed only after 3 years of age due to the maturation of specific areas in the central nervous system. After that age, however, if the facial muscles are not stimulated, the atrophy of them has already consolidated. Because on the face despite the atrophy occurring after 12 to 18 months compared to the rest of the body that is 3 months, it is late. This study aims to establish the benefits of an early intervention in Möebius Syndrome (AU)