Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
   TN 82 (09-25)
   DI 23022.373 Congenital Zika Syndrome
   
   
   
   
      
         
            
            
            
         
         
            
            
               
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                   COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES INFORMATION 
                  
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                   CONGENITAL ZIKA SYNDROME 
                  
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                   ALTERNATE NAMES 
                  
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                   CZS; Zika Virus Disease; ZVD 
                  
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                   DESCRIPTION 
                  
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                   Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is a pattern of birth defects caused by in utero infection of the fetal brain with
                     the Zika virus.
                   
                  
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                   DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM
                        CODING 
                  
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                   Diagnostic testing: 
                  
                  
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                              Positive Zika virus nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and IgM (the first antibody
                                 produced to fight infection) in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the infant
                                 within a few days after birth; and
                               
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Positive plaque reduction neutralization testing (PRNT) at birth. 
                              
                            
                         
                      
                   
                  
                  Physical findings: The physical findings below are usually seen in CZS but may also be seen in other
                     congenital infections of the fetal brain.
                   
                  
                  
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                              Severe microcephaly (abnormally small head); 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Decreased brain tissue with a specific pattern of brain damage, including subcortical
                                 calcifications;
                               
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Damage to the back of the eye, including macular scarring and focal retinal pigmentary
                                 mottling;
                               
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Congenital contractures, such as clubfoot or arthrogryposis; and 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Hypertonia (abnormal increase in muscle tone) restricting body movement soon after
                                 birth.
                               
                              
                            
                         
                      
                   
                  
                  Other findings for CZS may include: 
                  
                  
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                              Progressive, irreversible intellectual disability; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Brain atrophy and asymmetry; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Abnormally formed or absent brain structures; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Hydrocephalus (accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain); 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Neuronal migration disorders; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Excessive and redundant scalp skin; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Hyperreflexia (overactive or overresponsive reflexes); 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing); 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Chorioretinal atrophy in the macula; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Optic nerve hypoplasia (underdeveloped optic nerves), cupping, and atrophy; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Iris colobomas (holes in the iris); 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes); 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Intraocular calcifications. 
                              
                            
                         
                      
                   
                  
                  ICD-9: 066.3
                   
                  
                  ICD-10: A92.5
                   
                  
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                   PROGRESSION 
                  
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                   A small percentage of children born with microcephaly have normal intelligence. Most
                     children have issues with walking, communicating, coordination, and speech issues;
                     and need constant attention and care.
                   
                  
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                   TREATMENT 
                  
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                   There is no current treatment available for CZS. Some of the intervention programs
                     like occupational therapy, speech assistance, and special needs help can provide some
                     help.
                   
                  
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                   SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT* 
                  
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                   Suggested MER for Evaluation: 
                  
                  
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                              Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Positive CZS-specific immunological testing; 
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Neuroimaging (cranial ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance
                                 imaging (MRI)) any time after birth showing microcephaly; and
                               
                              
                            
                         
                      
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                              Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) to document hearing impairment. 
                              
                            
                         
                      
                   
                  
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                   Suggested Listings for Evaluation: 
                  
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                   DETERMINATION 
                  
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                   LISTING 
                  
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                   REMARKS 
                  
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                   Meets 
                  
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                   102.02 
                  
                  111.02 
                  
                  112.14 
                  
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                   Equals 
                  
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                   * Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical  Evidence of Record or the
                     listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However,  the decision to allow or deny
                     the claim rests with the adjudicator.
                   
                  
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