Abstract
The epidemic of rubella in the United States in 1964 was followed by the birth of many thousand of infants with congenital rubella syndrome. Many investigators reported the new clinical manifestations during newborn period in addition to symptoms of the classical rubella syndrome described by Gregg.
Although congenital abnormalities following maternal rubella has been fully documented, such cases were regarded as rare among the Japanese before 1965. In 1965, a malignant epidemic of rubella occurred in Okinawa, and it brought with more than 361 cases of congenital rubella syndrome. A retrospective study was conducted on those cases for past 4 years, and a criteria for retrospective clinical diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome was established on the bases of the clinical manifestations and serological data.
Group 1. Congenital Rubella Syndrome
Rubella retinopathy and in addition one or more symptoms among congenital cataract, congenital heart disease (CHD) and congenital deafness. If funduscopy unable, all of the three symptoms.
Group 2. Suspected Congenital Rubella Syndrome
Deafness only with history of maternal rubella. Two symptoms among cataract, CHD and deafness with or without history of maternal rubella.
Group 3. Rubella Retinopathy only
Group 4. Normal
No clinical manifestation with or without history of maternal rubella.
It includes the cases of subclinical congenital rubella.
Group 5. Others
Cataract only and CHD only with or without history of maternal rubella.
Deafness only without history of maternal rubella.
Miscellaneous
Rubella retinopathy was the most important clinical manifestation for the retrospective diagnosis of congenital rubella. Among 171 cases with rubella retinopathy serologically examined, 167 (97.790) were positive of rubella HI antibody, and about 70% of rubella deafened children had rubella retinopathy.
