Congenital Rubella Syndrome among Hospitalised Infants in South India - A Long Way to Go

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. KEYWORDS Congenital Rubella Syndrome, Rubella Vaccination, Cataracts