Congenital rubella syndrome

Congenital rubella syndrome
Specialty	Pediatrics

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can occur in a developing fetus of a pregnant woman who has contracted rubella during her first trimester. If infection occurs 0-28 days before conception, there is a 43% chance the infant will be affected. If the infection occurs 0-12 weeks after conception, there is a 51% chance the infant will be affected. If the infection occurs 13-26 weeks after conception there is a 23% chance the infant will be affected. Infants are not generally affected if rubella is contracted during the third trimester, or 26-40 weeks after conception. Problems rarely occur when rubella is contracted by the mother after 20 weeks of gestation. It was discovered in 1941 by Australian Norman McAllister Gregg (1892-1966).

Presentation

The classic triad for congenital rubella syndrome is:

• Sensorineural deafness - (58% of patients)
• Eye abnormalities - especially cataract and microphthalmia (43% of patients)
• Congenital heart disease - especially patent ductus arteriosus (50% of patients)

Other manifestations of CRS may include:

• spleen, liver or bone marrow problems (some of which may disappear shortly after birth)
• mental retardation
• small head size (microcephaly)
• eye defects
• low birth weight
• thrombocytopenic purpura (presents as a characteristic "blueberry muffin" rash)
• hepatomegaly
• micrognathia

Congenital rubella serology time-line

Children who have been exposed to rubella in the womb should also be watched closely as they age for any indication of the following:

• developmental delay
• Schizophrenia
• growth retardation
• learning disabilities
• diabetes
• glaucoma

External links

• Delayed effects of Congenital Rubella Syndrome
• DeafBlind.com
• Helen Keller National Center