Congenital Rubella Syndrome is a type of in utero (TORCH) infection that infants contract from their mother while she is pregnant, and can lead to severe birth defects and disorders.
What causes Congenital Rubella Syndrome?
Congenital Rubella Syndrome is caused by a virus known as a rubivirus. When adults and children contract the disease, it is known as rubella, and spreads through direct contact with discharge from the nose and throat. When a fetus acquires the disease from its mother, the illness is known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome. (Congenital means “present at birth.”)
What is the likelihood that my baby will have Congenital Rubella Syndrome?
Congenital Rubella Syndrome is spread from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. If the mother contracts the disease during the first trimester of her pregnancy, the baby is at high risk for developing congenital rubella. However, after the first trimester, the likelihood of the fetus contracting Congenital Rubella Syndrome is very low.
Fortunately, rubella is very uncommon now that children are vaccinated for the disease. Only 30 to 60 cases of rubella are documented each year in the United States, and less than five infants each year are diagnosed with Congenital Rubella Syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Congenital Rubella Syndrome?
Adults and children who develop rubella usually only have a mild rash and few other side effects. However, the disease has more serious effects on a pregnancy, and can result in a miscarriage.
A newborn with congenital rubella is at risk for:
- Heart problems (especially patent ductus arteriosus)
- Eye problems, including cataracts and glaucoma
- Mental retardation
- Growth retardation
- Low birth weight
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Deafness
- Diabetes
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Skin lesions — skin rash with red spots characteristic of rubella
- Bleeding problems
The symptoms of Congenital Rubella Syndrome may resemble other skin conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.
How is Congenital Rubella Syndrome diagnosed?
Rubella is usually diagnosed based on a medical history and physical examination. The lesions of rubella are unique, and usually the diagnosis can be made on physical examination. In addition, your child’s physician may order blood or urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.
How is Congenital Rubella Syndrome treated?
Since it is a viral infection, there is no cure, but only treatment for the symptoms.
How can Congenital Rubella Syndrome be prevented?
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine prevents rubella infections, as well infections of two other harmful diseases, measles and mumps. Women who are planning on becoming pregnant should be vaccinated at least 28 days beforehand. Because the vaccine is a live virus, women who are pregnant should not be vaccinated, but should avoid contact during their pregnancy with anyone who has rubella.
Source: Children’s Hospital Boston