Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology

Congenital infections Main Page
	Congenital Rubella Syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Congenital Rubella Syndrome from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
CDC Case Definitions
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology
CDC on Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology
Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Congenital rubella syndrome
Risk calculators and risk factors for Congenital rubella syndrome pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dima Nimri, M.D. [2]

Overview

Pregnant women who are not vaccinated against rubella virus are at a risk of contracting the infection. It must be noted however, that not every pregnant woman's infection results in vertical transmission to her fetus. In addition, not every fetus infected with rubella virus has fetal abnormalities or CRS. The typical clinical course of CRS usually begins with a pregnant woman being exposed to the virus via the respiratory route. The virus then infects the placenta and spreads to the fetus. This results in systemic inflammation in the fetus and multiple fetal anomalies, due to disruption of organogenesis.
The timing of the maternal infection has important implications on the fetus. If the woman is infected just before conception or during the first 8-10 weeks of gestation, severe fetal anomalies are most likely to occur, including stillbirth. However, beyond 16 weeks of gestation, rarely any fetal defects are associated with maternal rubella infection.