Congenital Rubella

Also Know As Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is an infection among infants by a type of virus that belongs to the genus Rubivirus that may cause complications that involve the eyes, heart and central nervous system. ^[1]

Epidemiology

Only half of the global population receives immunization. The disease is still a major concern in many nations. ^[2] In the United States, the number of cases has decreased immensely since 1970. ^[3]

Causes

Congenital rubella typically causes detrimental effects to the baby when the infection of the mother happens on the first three months of the pregnancy. ^[1] If the mother had the infection on the first 10 weeks, there is a projected 90% chance that the baby will be affected with the effects involving multiple organ system. If the infection takes place between the 11^th to 16^th week of pregnancy, the chance falls down to about 10 to 20% and that the affectation will be a lone sensory deficit. ^[3]

The virus can be spread through direct contact with discharges that come from the nose and mouth. It can be passed on by the mother to the baby through bloodstream. ^[4]

Signs and Symptoms                                                                                        

The patient can have a low birth weight. Skin rashes and small head size may be noticeable at birth. During physical examination of the eye, there can be cloudy cornea. Eye problems include cataract and glaucoma. Depending on the anatomical area that is affected, the infant may have deafness, seizure or heart problems. Other signs and symptoms include developmental delay, irritability, enlarged spleen and liver, intellectual disabilities and excessive sleepiness. ^{[1] [4]}

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is clinical. Increased level of immunoglobulin M or IgM is an important finding. ^[2] Another way of confirming the diagnosis is by isolation of the virus. ^[5]

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for CRS. Treatment is supportive and is dependent on the manifestations on the patient. Vaccination is extremely advocated especially for those who are planning to get pregnant. Have the vaccine at least 28 days beforehand. Patients who are already pregnant must NOT get the vaccine. ^{[2] [4]}

References:

1.      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001658.htm

2.      http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/802617-overview#a0199

3.      http://www.sense.org.uk/content/congenital-rubella-syndrome

http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site605/mainpageS605P1.html

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