Congenital rubella syndrome

Congenital rubella syndrome
Classification and external resources
Congenital Cataracts (white pupils) due to congenital rubella syndrome
ICD-10	P35.0
ICD-9	771.0
DiseasesDB	11729
MedlinePlus	001658
eMedicine	emerg/388
MeSH	D012410

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 by the disease. 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 and continues to disseminate the virus after birth.

It was discovered in 1941 by Australian Norman McAllister Gregg.

Presentation

Congenital rubella serology time-line

The classic triad for congenital rubella syndrome is:

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

"Salt-and-pepper" retinopathy of the retina is the most common ocular manifestation of congenital rubella.

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

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
• Autism spectrum disorders^[1]
• Schizophrenia^[2]
• Growth retardation
• Learning disabilities
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma

Prevention

Vaccination of girls of childbearing age against rubella can prevent congenital rubella syndrome.

References

1. ^ The genetics of autism. PEDIATRICS Vol. 113 No. 5 May 2004, pp. e472-e486
2. ^ Prenatal Infection as a Risk Factor for Schizophrenia - Brown 32 (2): 200 - Schizophrenia Bulletin

External links

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