< b>Fetal rubella effects: The constellation of abnormalities, also called
the rubella syndrome, caused by infection with the rubella (German measles) A virus
before birth. The syndrome is characterized by multiple congenital malformations
(birth defects) and mental retardation.
The individual features of the syndrome include growth retardation, microcephaly
(abnormally small head), cataracts, glaucoma, microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes),
cardiovascular malformations, hearing loss, and mental retardation. Deafness is
common. After birth the child may develop diabetes due to gradual destruction of
the pancreas by the rubella virus.
The child has a 50% risk of being born with the congenital rubella syndrome,
if the mother is infected with rubella in the first trimester (the first third)
of pregnancy. Risks still exist with infection in the second trimester
The discovery of the congenital rubella syndrome by the Australian ophthalmologist
(eye doctor) NM Gregg in 1941 is of historic importance. It provided the first evidence
that the placental barrier between the mother and the fetus does not fully protect
the fetus from teratogens (agents that can cause birth defects).
The rubella epidemic of 1963-1965 resulted in 1,800,000 infected individuals,
approximately 20,000 fetal deaths and about 30,000 infants born with congenital
rubella syndrome. Since the introduction of the rubella vaccine in 1969 there are
less than 120 cases of congenital rubella syndrome reported each year.
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
