Congenital rubella syndrome

Congenital rubella syndrome occurs when a human fetus is infected with the rubella virus via maternal-fetal transmission and develops birth defects. The most common congenital defects affect the ophthalmologic, cardiac, auditory, and neurologic systems.
Rubella infection in pregnancy can result in various outcomes ranging from asymptomatic infection to congenital defects to miscarriage and fetal death. If infection occurs 0–11 weeks after conception, the infant has a 90% risk of being affected. If the infection occurs 12–20 weeks after conception, the risk is 20%. Infants are not generally affected if rubella is contracted during the third trimester. Diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome is made through a series of clinical and laboratory findings, and management is based on the infant's clinical presentation. Maintaining rubella outbreak control via vaccination is essential in preventing congenital rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome.
Congenital rubella syndrome was discovered in 1941 by Australian Norman McAlister Gregg.

Signs and symptoms

The classic triad for congenital rubella syndrome is:

Sensorineural deafness
Eye abnormalities—especially retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and microphthalmia
Congenital heart disease—especially pulmonary artery stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus

Other manifestations of CRS may include:

Spleen, liver, or bone marrow problems
Intellectual disability
Small head size
Low birth weight
Thrombocytopenic purpura, leading to easy or excessive bleeding or bruising
Extramedullary hematopoiesis
Enlarged liver
Small jaw size
Radiolucent bone disease
Skin lesions

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

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome is made based on clinical findings and laboratory criteria. Laboratory criteria include at least one of the following:

Detection of the rubella virus via RT-PCR
Detection of rubella-specific IgM antibody
Detection of infant rubella-specific IgG antibody at higher levels than expected for passive maternal transmission
Isolation of the rubella virus by nasal, blood, throat, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid specimens

Findings in the following categories characterize the clinical definition:

Cataracts/congenital glaucoma, congenital heart disease, hearing impairment, pigmentary retinopathy
Purpura, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, microcephaly, developmental delay, meningoencephalitis, radiolucent bone disease

A patient is classified into the following cases depending on their clinical and laboratory findings:Suspected: A patient that has one or more of the clinical findings listed above but does not meet the definition for probable or confirmed classificationProbable: A patient that does not have laboratory confirmation of congenital rubella but has either two clinical findings from Group 1 as listed above, OR one clinical finding from Group 1 and one clinical finding from Group 2 as listed aboveConfirmed: A patient with at least one laboratory finding and one clinical finding as listed aboveInfection only: A patient with no clinical findings as described above, but meeting at least one confirmed laboratory criterion

Prevention

Vaccinating the majority of the population is effective at preventing congenital rubella syndrome. With the introduction of the rubella vaccine in 1969, the number of cases of rubella in the United States has decreased 99%, from 57,686 cases in 1969 to 271 cases in 1999. For women who plan to become pregnant, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination is highly recommended, at least 28 days before conception. The vaccine should not be given to women who are already pregnant as it contains live viral particles. Other preventative actions can include the screening and vaccinations of high-risk personnel, such as medical and child care professionals.
Infants with birth defects suspected to be caused by congenital rubella infection should be investigated thoroughly. Confirmed cases should be reported to the local or state health department to assess control of the virus, and isolation of the infant should be maintained.

Management

Infants with known rubella exposure during pregnancy or those with a confirmed or suspected infection should receive close follow-up and supportive care. There are no medications or antivirals that will shorten the clinical course of the virus. Only those with immunity to rubella should have contact with infected infants, as they can shed viral particles in their respiratory secretions through 1 year of age. Many infants can be born with multiple birth defects that require multidisciplinary management and interventions based on clinical manifestations. Often, these infants will require an extended period or lifelong follow-up with medical specialists. Early diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome is important for planning future medical care and educational placement.

Auditory care

Many infants with CRS may be born with sensorineural deafness and thus should undergo a newborn hearing evaluation. Hearing loss may not be apparent at birth and thus requires close auditory follow-up. Infants with confirmed hearing impairment may require hearing aids and may benefit from an early intervention program.

Ophthalmologic care

Eye abnormalities, including cataracts, infantile glaucoma, and retinopathy, are common in infants born with CRS. Infants should undergo eye examinations after birth and during early childhood. Those with congenital eye defects require care from a pediatric ophthalmologist for specialized care and follow-up.

Cardiac care

Congenital cardiac anomalies, including pulmonary artery stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus, can be seen in infants with CRS. Infants should undergo cardiac evaluation soon after birth, and those with confirmed cardiac lesions will require specialized care with a pediatric cardiologist for any interventions and follow-up care.