P35.0

Clinical Causes: Maternal infection with rubella virus during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Lack of maternal immunity to rubella, increasing the risk of infection during pregnancy. Exposure to rubella virus through contact with an infected person, leading to maternal infection which can be transmitted to the fetus.

Key Symptoms: Birth defects including heart problems like patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary artery stenosis. Eye abnormalities such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. Hearing impairments or deafness. Small head or developmental delays. Jaundice and liver problems. Microcephaly, or abnormally small head. Skin rashes or pigmented skin lesions. Pneumonitis, which refers to lung inflammation, sometimes seen in congenital rubella cases.

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis is often based on a combination of maternal history, clinical features of the newborn, and laboratory tests. These may include: - Blood tests to detect rubella-specific IgM antibodies. - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for rubella virus RNA. - Ultrasound examinations to identify congenital anomalies during pregnancy. - Postnatal assessments of vision, hearing, and developmental milestones to identify related complications.

Treatment Protocols: There is no specific antiviral treatment for congenital rubella syndrome. Management focuses on addressing individual health issues and providing supportive care. Approaches may include: - Surgical interventions for heart defects or eye abnormalities. - Hearing aids or cochlear implants to manage hearing impairments. - Early intervention programs to support developmental delays. - Regular monitoring of growth and health parameters. - Supportive therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to enhance development. - Vaccination of susceptible women before pregnancy to prevent infection and reduce the risk of CRS in future pregnancies.