Virus Diseases in Pregnancy and Congenital Defects

Studies of the Natural History and Prevention of Rubella

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Moreover, if audiometric studies are done, an additional 20% to 30% of such children are found to have some impairment of hearing.9 The earlier in pregnancy that maternal rubella occurs, the greater is the hazard to the fetus; thus, 50% or more of the children born of women contracting rubella during the first four weeks of pregnancy may have gross congenital anomalies. 10 Despite its usually mild, self-limited course in children, rubella frequently is a somewhat more severe disease in adults; and, in particular, it may constitute a problem in isolated communities and when groups of young adults are brought together in schools, other institutions, and in military installa¬ tions.11"17 At the US Naval Training Sta¬ tion at Great Lakes, 111, for example, there were 15,824 hospital admissions for rubella as compared to 111 admissions for measles during the period of 1955-1964.18 The reported occurrence of complications such as encephalitis and thrombocytopenic purpura, although extremely rare, and the more frequent occurrence of a mild arthritis simulating rheumatoid arthritis are further reasons for concern with rubella.11·19"23…”

Rubella in the Newborn

“…Since that time numerous other congenital defects as well as complications of pregnancy have been documented and the events which follow maternal rubella have become known as the rubella syndrome. Hill et al (1958) and carried out prospective studies of the effect on pregnancy of a considerable number of viral infections affecting the mother. Of these, only maternal rubella was considered to be a major problem.…”

From Social Structure to Social Behaviour in Britain after the Second World War

“…33 Hill and Doll used the same quantitative methodology to argue the causal factors in other chronic conditions, for example, the relationship between viral diseases such as rubella in pregnancy and the production of congenital defects. 34 At the same time, Bradford Hill was involved in refining the statistical methods of the clinical trial, first applied to the development of streptomycin and PAS. 35 Hill and Dolls researches inspired a significant expansion of quantitative aetiological research.…”