User:Mr. Ibrahem/Congenital rubella syndrome

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is when rubella during pregnancy results in birth defects in the baby. Classic symptoms include hearing, heart, and eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Other features may include large spleen, small head, and developmental delay. A few have a characteristic rash. Complications may include miscarriage, stillbirth, autism, and encephalopathy.

The risk is greatest if infection of the mother occurs in early pregnancy, before 12 weeks of gestation. If infection occurs after 18 weeks, problems generally do not occur. Up to half of infected pregnant women have no symptoms, though are still contagious. Diagnosis may include testing the blood, urine, or a nose swab.

Prevention is by rubella vaccination of the population. Pregnant women may be tested to verify that they are immune. Those who are infected during pregnancy may be offered the option of an abortion. Tentative evidence supports giving immune globulin (IG) against rubella to an infected pregnant mother. Care of children is supportive. They should be tested for viral shedding monthly, until two negatives occur, as this may continue for a year or more.

Congenital rubella syndrome affects about 100,000 babies a year. It is most common in Africa and South-East Asia and is exceedingly rare in the Americas. In the United States less than a case a year has occurred on average since 2005. Before the introduction of vaccines against the disease up to 0.4% of babies were affected. It was first described in 1941 by Australian Norman McAlister Gregg. A vaccine was developed following the 1962-1965 rubella epidemic.