Health Library

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

(CRS)

Definition

Rubella is an infection caused by a virus. If a pregnant women becomes infected she can pass the infection to the unborn baby. This infection can lead to severe birth defects, miscarriage or stillbirth. The health problems due to the infection are called congenital rubella syndrome.

Rubella Rash

Causes

Congenital rubella syndrome is caused by an infection of the rubella virus. The virus first infects the mother. It then passes to the baby during pregnancy. The virus interrupts the development of the baby.

Risk Factors

There is a vaccination for rubella. If the mother has not had this vaccination, the baby has an increased risk of infection.

The infection is most dangerous to the baby in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Pregnancy in First Trimester

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the timing of the infection. Some problems caused by congenital rubella include:

Slowing of fetal growth

Small head circumference

Hearing loss
Inflammation of the retina
Dental problems and other bone problems
Glaucoma
Cataract
Abnormal smallness of one or both eyes
Inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye)
Heart defects
Enlargement of liver and spleen, including liver damage
Neurological abnormalities including developmental delay
Chronic meningitis

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:

Blood tests—to look for infection with rubella virus
Imaging tests—to look for problems in the brain

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the results of the infection. Certain eye and heart defects may be treated with surgery shortly after birth. Early intervention programs may also help babies with hearing loss, vision loss, or intellectual disability. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plans for your child.

Prevention

Rubella vaccination for the mother can prevent congenital rubella syndrome. Screening for immunity may be done at premarital, preconception, or prenatal medical exams.

Infants with congenital rubella can spread the infection. Anyone taking care of your infant should be vaccinated against rubella.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov

March of Dimes

http://www.marchofdimes.com

Canadian Paediatric Society

http://www.cps.ca

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Congenital rubella syndrome. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=116060. Accessed June 24, 2007.

Kleigman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders; Philadelphia, PA; 2007.

Rubella. Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction website. Available at: http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/common/rubella.html#How%20Are%20Babies. Accessed July 12, 2007.

Zimmerman L, Reef S. Chapter 12: congenital rubella syndrome. VPD Surveillance Manual. 3rd ed. 2002. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/downloads/chpt12_rub_crs.pdf. Accessed June 24. 2007.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael Woods, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.