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Abstract #25641 Published in IGR 12-2
Latent manifestations in the US Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) Population
Armstrong NInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010; 14: e464-e465
Background: Since rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) have not been globally eradicated and populations who do not vaccinate continue to persist, increasing knowledge about adults with CRS remains of great importance. This study investigated the latent CRS manifestations of 174 adults with CRS in the United States, born before 1987. Methods: Cross sectional design. In this study, Helen Keller National Center's (HKNC) registry was used to identify individuals born with CRS in the United States. Established through an Act of Congress, HKNC is mandated to maintain a national registry of persons who are deaf-blind. The national database, located at HKNC in New York contains personal (race, marital status, residential status, education and employment) and medical (etiology, diagnostic and comorbidities) information on more than 10, 000 deaf-blind individuals with birth dates ranging from 1930-present. According to HKNC, there are approximately 1000 deaf blind individuals 21 and older who are listed as having CRS (HKNC, 2006). According to the CDC, this cohort is the result of the 1963-1965 rubella epidemic. In addition, the registry lists 113 CRS children, ages birth to 21. Results: The survey reported the prevalence of medical disorders including diabetes, cardiac and thyroid dysfunction nd glaucoma. Additionally, psychological symptoms such as autisticlike behavior, mood disorder and aggressive behavior were reported Conclusion: CRS is characterized by multiple defects, particularly to the heart, eyes, ears and brain. In utero, the rubella-virus can damage the immune system and vessels which is a harmful starting point for several diseases once the CRS-individual ages. CRS individuals are developing both new medical and psychological symptoms as they age. However, there has been very little information written about this phenomenon, although late onset medical problems have been documented, particularly in the Australian Rubella population born in the 1940 s. The results of this study are helpful in understanding both medical and psychological symptoms of the CRS adults, and anticipate potential diseases and behaviors.
N. Armstrong, Molloy College, Rockville Centre, United States.
Classification:
9.4.15 Glaucoma in relation to systemic disease (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders)
9.1.2 Juvenile glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.1 Developmental glaucomas)
