Prenatal diagnosis of congenital rubella infection in São Paulo

Abstract

Objective: rubella during the early stages of pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Samples collected from pregnant women with symptoms and suspected of congenital rubella infection between 1996 and 2008 were analyzed. Methods: a total of 23 amniotic fluid samples, 16 fetal blood samples, 1 product of conception and 1 placenta were analyzed by serology and RT-PCR. Results: all patients presented positive serology for IgG / IgM antibodies to rubella virus. Among neonates, 16 were IgG-positive, 9 were IgM-positive and 4 were negative for both antibodies. Of the 25 samples analyzed in this study, 24 were positive by RT-PCR. Changes in ultrasound were found in 15 (60%) of 25 fetuses infected with rubella virus. Fetal death and miscarriage were reported in 10 (40%) of the 25 cases analyzed. The rubella virus was amplified by PCR in all fetuses with abnormal ultrasound compatible with rubella. Fetal death and abortion were reported in 10 of 25 cases analyzed. Conclusion: this study, based on primary maternal rubella infection definitely confirms the good sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR using amniotic fluid and ultrasound. The results showed that molecular assays are important tools in the early diagnosis of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.

Infectious diseases in the neonatal period: A literature review

“…Infection in the first trimester of pregnancy causes a fetal infection rate of 80% to 100%. When pregnancy progresses to the 16th week, fetal infection rates drop by 10% to 20%, rising again to over 60% after the 30th week of pregnancy (CURTI et al, 2014). Diagnosis during pregnancy occurs through a screening that involves serology testing for rubella, requesting IgM and IgG (NEU;DUCHON;ZACHARIAH, 2015).…”

Covid-19 and Upper Limb Anomalies in Newborns: A Reason for Concern?

“…Spontaneous abortion and fetal death were reported in 40% of the cases analyzed. 19 The involvement of multiple organ systems and common abnormalities include growth restriction, hepatomegaly, hydrocephalus, ventricular septal defect, intracranial calcifications. Anomalies of the musculoskeletal system include weakness in the upper and lower limbs, congenital dislocations, congenital osteogenesis imperfecta, and muscular dystrophies.…”

Rubella infection: Advances and challenges in the diagnosis and prevention of Congenital Rubella Syndrome

“…The fast and accurate identi ication of the rubella virus is very important in pregnant women as it helps to guide prenatal treatment and identify the need for long-term follow-up. In addition, in many countries, maternally rubella clinically con irmed in the irst 8 weeks of pregnancy is considered an indication for therapeutic abortion due to the high incidence of birth defects [45,46]. The RT-PCR require little manipulation, thus reducing the risk of contamination, and generally reach small fragments, thus allowing detection even in case of partial RNA degradation [39,47] .…”