Clinical features, complications and prevention of rubella Custom Search Rubella or german measles is a viral infection. It causes a very mild disease which is self limited but has the potential to cause catastrophic damage to the developing embryo if a pregnant woman contracts the infection. Often the infection is subclinical without any symptoms. The infection is transmitted by droplets of respiratory secretions in air. Symptoms and signs: These are nonspecific. Children may not have any fever, while adults usually have. There may be cough and cold. The swollen lymph nodes behind the ear and back of head are commonly found. Rashes may be seen usually starting on face and rapidly involving the whole body. The rash may be slightly elevated above the level of the skin. It usually disappears within 4 days. Congenital infection: Majority of pregnant women who get the infection during the first four months of pregnancy deliver affected babies. Congenital infection is much less common if the disease occurs later in pregnancy. The manifestations are as follows. Intrauterine growth retardation: At least 50% of babies are of low birth weight. They are likely to remain under weight throughout life. Heart abnormalities: Ventricular septal defect, narrowing of the pulmonary artery and persistent ductus arteriosus are various abnormalities reported. Eye abnormalities: The eyes may be smaller than normal (microphthalmia). The baby may be born with cataract (congenital cataract). Glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) and inflammation of retina (retinitis) can occur. Ear problems: Sensory-neural deafness can occur due to damage to the nervous tissue.
Brain: There can be damage to brain. Manifestations depend on the part of the brain affected. Convulsions and mental retardation can occur. Blood disorders: There may be thrombocytopenia (reduction in the number of platelets) and leucopenia (reduction in the number of white blood cells). The disease can also cause damage to liver, bones, intestine and pancreas. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 29th November 2009
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