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Rubella arthritis. An outbreak in Kyoto
1Department of Internal Medicine, Shichikawa Arthritis Research Center, Mie and Ohba Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Rubella infection can cause arthritis, particularly in adult women. This study found a 33% incidence of acute polyarthritis in women with rubella in Japan, aligning with Western reports.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rubella, a viral illness, is known to sometimes cause joint complications.
- Arthritis following rubella infection has been documented in various populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of arthritis in patients diagnosed with rubella in an Asian setting (Japan) with previously reported data from Western countries.
- To analyze the occurrence of arthritic symptoms in relation to rubella infection during a local outbreak.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 29 patients diagnosed with rubella during an outbreak in Kyoto, Japan, were prospectively evaluated.
- Patients presenting at a general medical clinic were assessed for the presence and type of arthritic symptoms.
Main Results:
- Among 9 women infected with rubella, 3 (33%) developed acute polyarthritis.
- Among 20 men infected with rubella, 2 (10%) experienced arthritis.
- Arthritis was observed in 4 out of 5 patients (80%) who were over 18 years old; no recurrence was noted.
Conclusions:
- The observed incidence of rubella-associated arthritis in adult women in Japan (33%) is comparable to findings in previous studies from Western countries.
- The study suggests that rubella arthritis incidence may be similar across different geographical settings, particularly in adult women.