Phylogenetic analysis of congenital rubella virus from Indonesia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Rubella is a common inherited infection resulting in congenital cataracts and a significant cause of permanent vision loss in developing countries. In 2016, Indonesia had the highest number of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) cases globally. Here, we report the first genotype of the rubella virus extracted from the eye lens from a child with congenital cataracts due to CRS. CASE PRESENTATION: A female neonate was delivered by an elective caesarean delivery with normal birth weight at term from a 24-year-old mother in the rural setting. The baby presented with bilateral congenital cataracts, small-moderate secundum atrial septal defect, severe supravalvular pulmonary stenosis, and profound bilateral hearing loss. She also had microcephaly and splenomegaly. The patient's serology showed persistent positive IgG for rubella virus at the age of four years and four months. Following extraction during cataract surgery, viral detection of the lenses identified the presence of rubella. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the virus was grouped into genotype 1E. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports the first phylogenetic analysis of the rubella virus extracted from the eye lens of a child with CRS in Indonesia. The detection of the rubella virus from eye lenses is remarkably promising. Our findings also emphasize the importance of molecular epidemiology in tracking the origin of rubella infection toward achieving virus eradication.

Newborn Glaucoma: A Neglected Manifestation of Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To study the frequency of intrauterine rubella infection in a cohort of neonatal-onset glaucoma (NOG) and its effect on the treatment outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Infants with NOG presenting to the pediatric glaucoma service at a tertiary care center in northern India at Chandigarh between January 1, and September 30, 2018, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year were included in this study. METHODS: Rubella immunoglobulin-M (IgM) antibodies were tested in all patients. Surgery for intraocular pressure (IOP) control comprised combined trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy or goniotomy. Presenting features and treatment outcomes at 1 year were compared among infants with and without rubella-IgM antibodies. RESULTS: Of 27 eligible infants, 7 (25.9%) were rubella-IgM positive, and all had bilateral glaucoma. One eye in a rubella-positive baby was an unsightly blind eye and required a prosthesis. A total of 13 eyes of 7 patients were compared with 34 eyes of 20 rubella-negative patients. There was no significant difference in mean age and IOP at presentation. Rubella-positive infants had significantly more opaque corneas (P < 0.001), shorter eyes (P < 0.001), and smaller corneal diameters (P = 0.007) at presentation. Two patients in the rubella group had bilateral cataracts, 3 patients had heart disease, and 1 patient had sensorineural deafness. Salt-and-pepper retinopathy was noted in both rubella-positive infants where fundus evaluation was possible. Despite comparable IOP control (P = 0.51), the corneal clarity remained significantly worse in the rubella-positive patients (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-five percent of those with newborn glaucoma had underlying intrauterine rubella infection, thus making them susceptible for development of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Neonatal-onset glaucoma is an important component of CRS, which may present without buphthalmos and persistent corneal clouding despite good IOP control.

Etiology of Childhood Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Shandong Province, China.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to ascertain the etiology of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children aged ≤ 18 years living in Shandong province. Method Data were taken from a cross-sectional study, which was conducted between 2015 and 2017. The study included children aged ≤ 18 years, recruited from special schools for children with hearing loss and from hearing rehabilitation centers in Shandong province of China. Children were screened for bilateral SNHL through audiological testing. Clinical examination, genetic testing, and structured interviews were conducted for those children who were identified as having hearing loss to identify the potential cause. Results The etiology of bilateral SNHL in our sample was genetic in 874 (39.3%), acquired in 650 (29.3%), and unknown in 697 (31.4%) children. Among children with acquired SNHL, the cause was maternal viral infection in 75 (11.5%); perinatal factors in 238 (36.6%); meningitis, measles, and mumps in 146 (22.5%); and ototoxic exposure in 117 (18%) children. Among the children with genetic SNHL, only 44 (4.9%) were identified as having syndromic hearing loss, and the remainder (95.1%) were classified as nonsyndromic hearing loss. Conclusion The findings indicated that nearly 30% of bilateral SNHL in Shandong province could be preventable through immunization, early prenatal diagnosis, proper treatment of infections, and avoidance of prescription of ototoxic drugs. This finding emphasizes the need for programs aimed at improving the health services at primary and secondary levels of health care, which will in turn prevent childhood hearing loss.

Severe Pulmonary Arteriopathy in a Neonate with Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

Neonates with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) are known to have associated congenital cardiac malformations. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one the most common cardiac anomalies associated with CRS. PDA refractory to medical management and associated with ventilatory dependence is considered for surgical ligation. However, the management of PDA can be challenging in the presence of underlying lung disease or pulmonary vascular disease. Outcomes after closure in neonates are dependent upon age, weight, nutritional status, pre-operative pulmonary arterial hypertension and presence of chronic lung disease. We present a neonate with CRS who required surgical PDA closure. The neonate developed severe pulmonary arterial hypertension which led to fatal outcome. The clinical course is corroborated with histo-pathological changes observed on the autopsy of this neonate.

Anti-Jo-1 Antibody-positive Interstitial Pneumonia in an Elderly Patient with Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

A 71-year-old woman with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) presented with prolonged cough. No physical findings suggested the presence of any connective tissue diseases. Chest computed tomography showed ground-glass opacities and consolidations in the bilateral lower lobes. She had elevated serum Krebs von den Lungen-6, hypoxemia and positive serum anti-Jo-1 antibody. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed lymphocytosis with a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. A transbronchial lung biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia. Based on a diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF), systemic corticosteroids were administered, and a good outcome was obtained. A possible relationship between CRS and IPAF is herein discussed.

Hipoacusia neurosensorial secundaria a infecciones perinatales / Sensorioneural hearing loss secondary to perinatal infections / A perda auditiva neurossensoral secundária a infecções perinatais

Introducción: 1 a 2 de cada 1.000 recién nacidos tienen una pérdida auditiva neurosensorial significativa. De las deficiencias auditivas congénitas, el 50% resultan de infecciones en el embarazo y/o parto; como las provocadas por: Toxoplasmosis, rubéola, citomegalovirus, herpes y sífilis. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática de artículos utilizando bibliotecas virtuales y libros de texto de relevancia dentro de la especialidad. Resultados: La rubéola en mujeres susceptibles puede producir el síndrome de rubéola congénita. La sordera es la manifestación más frecuente de la enfermedad y es la secuela más importante. El 15% de los niños infectados por Citomegalovirus padecen una pérdida auditiva por daño coclear y alteraciones en el sistema nervioso central al nacer. Otro 15% pueden desarrollar luego del nacimiento hipoacusia, retardo mental o dificultades en el desarrollo del lenguaje y del aprendizaje. Aproximadamente el 80% de los recién nacidos infectados por toxoplasmosis son asintomáticos; el resto presentará manifestaciones clínicas de afectación sistémica incluyendo compromiso auditivo como parte del cuadro. La infección por Herpes simple suele ser devastadora en el recién nacido. Se ha descrito hipoacusia en más del 50% de los casos. La sordera se asocia frecuentemente con la sífilis congénita. Junto con la queratitis intersticial y las malformaciones dentarias, forma parte de la tríada de Hutchinson. Conclusiones: La hipoacusia es un problema de gran importancia en la infancia. Las infecciones agrupadas en el término TORCHS causan hipoacusia neurosensorial adquirida en forma prenatal, dando lugar a sorderas presentes al nacer o de desarrollo diferido o progresivo.

Introduction: 1 to 2 of every 1,000 newborns have significant sensorineural hearing loss. From all the congenital hearing empairments, 50% take place during pregnancy and/or childbirth; such as those caused by: toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes and syphilis. Methods: A systematic literature research was performed using virtual libraries and relevant specialty textbooks. Results: Rubella in susceptible women may cause congenital rubella syndrome. Deafness is the most common manifestation of the disease and is the most important sequel. 15% of those children infected with Cytomegalovirus children suffer hearing loss from cochlear damage and alterations in the central nervous system at birth. Another 15% can then develop birth hearing loss, mental retardation or difficulties in language development and learning. Approximately 80% of newborns infected with toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic; the rest will present clinical manifestations of systemic disease including hearing impairment as part of the picture. Herpes simplex infection is devastating in the new born. Hearing loss has been described in over 50% of cases. Deafness is often associated with congenital syphilis. Along with interstitial keratitis and dental malformations, it is part of the Hutchinson triad. Conclusions: Hearing loss is a major problem in childhood. Gathered as TORCHS acquired infections cause sensorineural hearing loss prenatally, resulting in hearing loss present at birth or deferred or progressive development.

Introdução: 1 a 2 em cada 1.000 recém-nascidos têm perda auditiva neurossensorial significativo. Das deficiências auditivas congênitas, 50% das infecções resultar em gravidez e / ou parto; tais como aquelas causadas por: toxoplasmose, rubéola, citomegalovírus, herpes e sífilis. Métodos: Uma busca sistemática da literatura foi realizada utilizando bibliotecas virtuais e livros relevantes no art. Resultados: A rubéola em mulheres suscetíveis pode causar a síndrome da rubéola congênita. A surdez é a manifestação mais comum da doença e é a sequela mais importante. 15% das crianças infectadas com Citomegalovírus sofrer perda de audição de danos e alterações coclear no sistema nervoso central no nascimento. Outros 15% podem desenvolver perda auditiva nascimento, retardo mental ou dificuldades no desenvolvimento da linguagem e aprendizagem. Cerca de 80% dos recém-nascidos infectados com toxoplasmose é assintomática; o resto vai apresentar manifestações clínicas da doença sistêmica, incluindo a deficiência auditiva como parte da imagem. Infecção Herpes simplex geralmente devastadores no recém-nascido. A perda de audição tem sido descrita em mais de 50% dos casos. A surdez é frequentemente associada a sífilis congênita. Junto com ceratite intersticial e malformações dentárias, faz parte da tríade Hutchinson. Conclusões: A perda auditiva é um problema grave na infância. Agrupados nas infecções TORCHS causam perda auditiva neurossensorial pré-natal, resultando em perda auditiva presente no nascimento ou em diferido ou desenvolvimento progressivo.

Secondary congenital aphakia.

UNLABELLED: Abstract PURPOSE: We present the clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic features in a patient with secondary congenital aphakia. METHODS: A 2-year-old patient, diagnosed with congenital rubella syndrome including sensorineural deafness, congenital heart disease, intellectual disability, microcephaly, microphthalmia, and congenital cataract, presented to our clinic for the surgical treatment of cataract. RESULTS: During the surgery, the absence of the lens' cortex was observed, hence, the final diagnose was of secondary congenital aphakia. Surgery was then continued with a posterior capsulorhexis and an anterior vitrectomy, deciding to postpone the implantation of the posterior chamber intraocular lens.

Congenital rubella syndrome: a matter of concern / Síndrome de rubéola congénita: un motivo de preocupación

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), an important cause of severe birth defects, remains a public health problem in a significant number of countries. Therefore, global health experts encourage use of rubella vaccination, with the primary aim of preventing CRS. While large-scale rubella vaccination during the last decade has drastically reduced or eliminated both the virus and CRS in Europe and the Americas, many countries in Africa, South-East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific have not yet incorporated any type of rubella-containing vaccine into their immunization schedule. As a result, through travel and migration, rubella has been imported into countries that had successfully eliminated the virus, leading to outbreaks and the reestablishment of endemic transmission. The objective of this study was to identify the key factors required for CRS elimination (prevalence reduction, vaccination strategies, and surveillance methods) by reviewing publications in PubMed on rubella and CRS (systematic reviews, country experiences, and position papers from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other intergovernmental organizations). Based on the results of the review, to eliminate rubella and CRS in endemic areas and reduce re-emergence in previously disease-free areas, all countries should carry out two types of mass rubella vaccination campaigns: 1) one single mass national immunization campaign targeting all men and women 5-39+ years old (with the upper age limit depending on the year in which the rubella-containing vaccine was introduced and the epidemiology of rubella in the country) and 2) incorporation of an rubella-containing vaccine in routine childhood immunization programs, including regular vaccination campaigns for 12-month-olds and measles follow-up campaigns. In addition to mass rubella immunization campaigns and routine childhood vaccination programs, the following measures should be taken to help fight rubella and CRS: 1) surveillance of the number of susceptible women of childbearing age, and the emergence of imported cases; 2) coverage of susceptible populations with "second-chance" ("catch-up") campaigns (vaccination of older children and adults who may have missed earlier immunization programs); 3) rapid response to outbreaks; 4) strengthening of CRS surveillance; 5) involvement of the private sector in awareness and vaccination campaigns; and 6) reduction of the number of false-positive laboratory test results.

El síndrome de rubéola congénita (SRC), una causa importante de defectos congénitos graves, sigue siendo un problema de salud pública en un número significativo de países. Por consiguiente, los expertos mundiales en salud promueven el uso de la vacunación antirrubeólica con el objetivo primario de prevenir el SRC. Aunque, durante el último decenio, la vacunación antirrubeólica administrada a gran escala ha reducido drásticamente o eliminado tanto el virus como el SRC en Europa y la Región de las Américas, muchos países de África, Asia Sudoriental, el Mediterráneo Oriental y el Pacífico Occidental aún no han incorporado ningún tipo de vacuna con componente antirrubeólico en su calendario de vacunaciones. Como resultado, y a consecuencia de los viajes y las migraciones, la rubéola se ha importado a países que habían eliminado eficazmente el virus, provocando brotes y el restablecimiento de la transmisión endémica. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los factores clave requeridos para la eliminación del SRC (reducción de la prevalencia, estrategias de vacunación y métodos de vigilancia) mediante la revisión de publicaciones aparecidas en PubMed sobre la rubéola y el SRC (revisiones sistemáticas, experiencias de países y documentos de posición de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y otras organizaciones intergubernamentales). Con base en los resultados de la revisión, y con objeto de eliminar la rubéola y el SRC en las zonas endémicas y reducir su reaparición en las zonas previamente libres de la enfermedad, todos los países deben llevar a cabo dos tipos de campañas de vacunación antirrubeólica masivas: 1) una única campaña de vacunación masiva a escala nacional dirigida a todos los hombres y mujeres de 5 a 39 años de edad (el límite superior de edad depende del año de introducción de la vacuna con componente antirrubeólico y de la epidemiología de la rubéola en el país), y 2) la incorporación de una vacuna con componente antirrubeólico en los programas sistemáticos de vacunación infantil, incluidas las campañas regulares de vacunación dirigidas a lactantes de 12 meses de edad y las campañas de seguimiento de las enfermedades exantemáticas. Además de las campañas de vacunación masiva contra la rubéola y los programas sistemáticos de vacunación infantil, se deben aplicar las siguientes medidas para ayudar a combatir la rubéola y el SRC: 1) la vigilancia de las mujeres en edad fecunda susceptibles, y de la aparición de casos importados; 2) la cobertura de las poblaciones vulnerables mediante campañas de "segunda oportunidad" ("puesta al día") (vacunación de niños mayores y adultos a los que no hubieran alcanzado los programas de vacunación anteriores); 3) la respuesta rápida ante los brotes; 4) el fortalecimiento de la vigilancia del SRC; 5) la participación del sector privado en las campañas de concientización y vacunación; y 6) la reducción del número de resultados de pruebas de laboratorio falsamente positivos.

Long-term longitudinal assessment of postoperative outcomes after congenital cataract surgery in children with congenital rubella syndrome.

PURPOSE: To assess the intraoperative and long-term longitudinal postoperative outcomes of cataract surgery in children with congenital rubella syndrome. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective observational clinical study. METHODS: Children with congenital rubella syndrome who had cataract surgery were enrolled. All microphthalmic eyes were left aphakic. A 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens was implanted in the capsular bag in eyes without microphthalmos. The postoperative observations included complications and visual assessments up to 5 years. RESULTS: The mean age of the 21 children (37 eyes) was 3.97 months ± 2.1 (SD). Intraocular lens implantation was performed in 12 eyes (32.4%), while 25 eyes (67.6%) were left aphakic. Postoperatively, the median follow-up was 60.79 months. Posterior synechiae were observed in 22 eyes (59.5%) and visual axis opacification in 9 eyes (24.3%). Secondary glaucoma was observed in 16 eyes (43.2%), of which 14 were aphakic and 1 was pseudophakic. Nine eyes required trabeculectomy. Age at surgery and ocular comorbidities were statistically significantly associated with secondary glaucoma (P<.05, χ(2) test and Kendall τB criteria P<.05). The mean corrected distance visual acuity at the final follow-up was 0.72 ± 0.56 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results suggest good visual outcomes can be obtained with congenital cataract associated with congenital rubella syndrome after early surgical intervention. The rate of serious postoperative complications was acceptable.

Central serous chorioretinopathy after trabeculectomy in a patient with microphthalmos and congenital rubella syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of central serous chorioretinopathy after trabeculectomy surgery in an eye with microphthalmos in the setting of congenital rubella syndrome. METHODS: A Case report with color fundus photographs, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: A 46-year-old African American man, with a history of congenital heart disease and bilateral hearing loss, developed persistent vision loss in the left eye after trabeculectomy surgery. Ocular examination revealed bilateral salt-and-pepper retinopathy and a serous detachment in the macula of the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed an early "smoke-stack" pattern of hyperfluorescence with progressive filling of the subretinal space consistent with central serous chorioretinopathy. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography documented both size and extent of the serous retinal detachment and showed several pigment epithelial detachments. B-scan ultrasonography confirmed the serous retinal detachment on the left but showed no evidence of posterior eye wall thickening or of retrobulbar fluid. An A-scan revealed an axial length of 21.8 mm on the right and 19.7 mm on left eye, confirming microphthalmos and supporting the suspected diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, central serous chorioretinopathy can occur in anatomically small eyes after trabeculectomy surgery.

Screening, rubella vaccination, and childhood hearing impairment in Taiwan.

Childhood hearing impairment (CHI) is a major developmental disability, but data at the national level are limited, especially those on the changes in the prevalence over time. In Taiwan, the government began to certify disabled residents for providing various services in 1980 and maintains a registry of certified cases, which provides a rare opportunity for studying the trends of CHI prevalence. Using the registry data, we estimated the prevalence of CHI by age and severity and explored factors affecting its changes over time. From 2000 to 2011, the registered cases under 17 years old ranged from 3427 to 4075. The overall prevalence increased from 2000 to 2006, but then decreased till 2011. While the prevalence of mild CHI increased over the years, such a pattern was not observed in moderate or severe CHI. In general, the overall prevalence increased over the years in the age groups <3 years, 3-5 years, and 6-11 years (p<0.01), and the largest increase was observed in the age group <3 years, particularly after the promotion of screening by the government in 2003. The decrease after 2006 was mainly attributable to decreases in the age groups 12-14 (with a decreasing trend from 2001, p<0.01) and 15-17 years (with a decreasing trend from 2004, p<0.01). The timing was related to the implementation of a nationwide rubella vaccination program. Similar decreases had been observed in countries with rubella vaccination programs.

Identification of germinal centres in the lymph node of a patient with hyperimmunoglobulin M syndrome associated with congenital rubella.

BACKGROUND: The hyper immunoglobulin M syndrome (HIM) associated with congenital rubella infection (rHIM) is an extremely rare disorder, where patients have elevated serum IgM in association with reduced IgG and IgA. We have previously shown that in contrast to X-linked HIM (XHIM), a patient with well-characterised rHIM is able to express functional CD40 ligand, undergo immunoglobulin isotype switching and to generate memory B cells. Here we describe the ultrastructural features of an excised lymph node from this patient. METHODS: An inguinal lymph node was surgically removed and examined histologically as well as by immunohistochemistry. It was then stained with multiple fluorescent dyes to visualize the cellular interactions within the node. Flow cytometry was undertaken on a cellular suspension from the node. FINDINGS: Our patient has normal lymph node architecture by light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry studies showed the presence of scattered germinal centres. Polychromatic immunofluorescence staining showed disruption of the architecture with mostly abnormal germinal centres. A small number of relatively intact germinal centres were identified. Both IgM and IgG bearing cells were identified in germinal centres. INTERPRETATION: In contrast to XHIM where germinal centres are absent, the presence of small numbers of relatively normal germinal centres explain our previous identification of isotype switched memory B cells in rHIM.

Síndrome de rubéola congénita y manifestaciones bucales: reporte de un caso / The congenital rubella syndrome: case report

El Síndrome de la Rubéola Congénita (SRC), se caracteriza por presentar secuelas tempranas y tardías que afectan el sistema ocular, cardíaco y auditivo de manera simultánea acompañada de diferentes manifestaciones bucales. El objetivo de este reporte es dar a conocer las características bucales asociadas al Síndrome, como puede afectar al paciente desde temprana edad y guiar al odontólogo a identificar dicha entidad. Se presenta el caso de escolar de género femenino que acude al servicio de ortodoncia interceptiva del Postgrado de Odontología Infantil de la U.C.V., con el diagnóstico de S.R.C. se realizó el consentimiento informado y se cumplieron los protocolos de profilaxis antibiótica. Al examen clínico intraoral y extraoral y al análisis cefalométrico se diagnosticó Maloclusión dentaria Clase I tipo 3, Maloclusión esquelética Clase III, oligodoncias, microdoncias, además de ciertas características no reportadas asociadas al SRC como la queilitis descamativa y lesiones fibrosas. El SRC posee diferentes manifestaciones bucales que incluyen alteraciones en el desarrollo dental, maloclusiones. El tratamiento odontológico adecuado para estos pacientes debe realizarse en conjunto con un equipo multidisciplinario tomando en cuenta el estado sistémico del paciente

The Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is characterized by early and late sequelae that affect the eye, heart and ear simultaneously accompanied by various oral manifestations. The purpose of this report is to present oral characteristics associated with Syndrome, how it can affect the patient from an early age and guide the dentist to identify the syndrome. We report the case of a female pacient who attended school at the time in which she was treated at the Graduate interceptive orthodontic Pediatric Dentistry UCV, with the diagnosis of CRS. Informed consent was performed and antibiotic prophylaxis protocols were fulfilled. When intraoral and extraoral clinical examination and cephalometric analysis were diagnosed dental malocclusion Class I Type 3, Class III skeletal, oligodontics , microdontics, plus some unreported characteristics associated with the SRC as desquamative cheilitis and fibrous lesions. SRC has various oral manifestations that include disturbances in dental development, malocclusion. Appropriate dental treatment for these patients should be performed in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team taking into account the patient's clinical state

Echocardiography findings in clinically confirmed congenital rubella syndrome cases seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is known to affect thousands of children in the developing world because rubella vaccination is not available routinely in most of these countries. Among its many manifestations only congenital heart disease is life threatening. This study was undertaken to ascertain the cases of echocardiographic determined congenital heart disease in clinically confirmed CRS cases. METHODS: Data of patients with clinically confirmed CRS seen over a period of 5 years in the Paediatric cardiology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was retrieved and analysed. RESULTS: Seven cases (2.8 % of total cardiac cases) were seen. 6 (85.7%) cases had at least one murmur on auscultation. Patent ductus arteriosus was the commonest cardiac defect seen either in isolation or incombination with a VSD or ASD. Only one child had no cardiac defect. 4 (57.1%) of them had been admitted for heart failure at least once and 2 (28.6 %) were on anti-failure regimen, one of whom had cardiac surgery one month ago. CONCLUSION: In view of the fact that 6 (85.7%) of the patients with CRS had at least one congenital heart defect, we advocate routine echocardiography on patients with CRS to ensure early treatment and reduce mortality and morbidity.We also advocate that rubella vaccination be given routinely in developing countries.

Aplasia cutis congenita: three cases with three different underlying etiologies.

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is an uncommon condition in which localized or widespread areas of skin are absent or scarred at birth. There is no single underlying cause of ACC, as it simply represents a physical finding that reflects a disruption of intrauterine skin development. Here we report three cases of ACC of the scalp with three different etiologies: congenital rubella syndrome, trisomy 13 and fetal valproate syndrome. The aim of the present report is to increase awareness of these skin defects and emphasize the importance of underlying etiologies.