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[Rubella deafness. Audiometric, ophthalmologic, epidemiological aspects].
Summary
Maternal rubella during pregnancy can cause congenital deafness in children, often with hearing asymmetry and vision problems. Early diagnosis is crucial but frequently missed, impacting long-term development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Audiology
Context:
- Reviews 75 case reports of childhood deafness linked to maternal rubella during early pregnancy.
- Highlights common co-occurring conditions: auditory functional asymmetry, pigmented retinitis, cataracts, and developmental delays.
- Notes a high incidence of maternal rubella in women from outside French Metropolitan areas.
Purpose:
- To analyze the etiological factors and clinical manifestations of congenital deafness resulting from maternal rubella.
- To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and the impact of misdiagnosis in suspected rubella cases during pregnancy.
- To underscore the importance of recognizing specific clinical signs for accurate etiological diagnosis.
Summary:
- Congenital rubella infection leads to deafness in children, frequently presenting with interauricular auditory functional asymmetry (nearly 50% of cases).
- Pigmented retinitis, occurring alone or with cataracts, is another significant indicator, accounting for at least 7% of sensorineural deafness cases.
- Delayed development and dysmaturity at birth are persistent issues, compounded by diagnostic errors and inadequate family counseling regarding rubella in pregnancy.
Impact:
- Accurate diagnosis of rubella-induced deafness allows for better hearing aid adaptation, improving auditory outcomes.
- Recognizing pigmented retinitis aids in identifying rubella as the cause of deafness and potential visual impairment.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy and family communication are essential to mitigate the long-term developmental consequences of congenital rubella syndrome.