Aslam Pala Kuzhiyil1, Rajesh Thaliyil Veettil2, Binci Charulatha3, Geeta M. Govindaraj4
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of rubella immunity in India is 55 % in pregnant women during
the first 3 months of pregnancy and nearly 45 % of women are susceptible to
congenital rubella syndrome. The exact epidemiology or actual burden of
congenital rubella syndrome has not yet been assessed in the Indian population.
In the run up to the target of controlling congenital rubella by 2020, there is
added impetus to document congenital rubella syndrome cases, its clinical
characteristics, interventions needed and psychosocial problems of infants and
their parents, admitted with laboratory confirmed congenital rubella syndrome.
METHODS
A retrospective study based on hospital records was conducted between January
2016 and December 2017. Clinically confirmed cases not satisfying laboratory
criteria for congenital rubella syndrome were excluded. In-depth interviews of
mothers were conducted.
RESULTS
16 infants with a positive IgM rubella antibody were included. Microcephaly was
observed in 9 (56 %) babies. Ophthalmological manifestations were present in 12
(75 %) babies; of whom 9 (75 %) had cataract. Glaucoma occurred in 3 (18 %)
babies and 2 (12.5 %) had salt and pepper retinopathy. Hearing impairment was
detected in 8 (50 %) babies. Congenital heart disease was present in 15 (93.7 %)
infants. Surgical interventions including cataract surgery, patent ductus arteriosus
ligation and cochlear implantation were necessary in 14 babies.
CONCLUSIONS
Congenital rubella syndrome is still a significant problem and urgent measures are
needed to increase immunisation coverage of the target population. Affected
families endure a heavy physical and psychosocial burden, which should be
addressed simultaneously.
