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