Gestational rubella: correlation between serological diagnosis and fetal and placental pathology (Hebrew)

During the last rubella epidemic in Israel, blood samples from 770 pregnant women were tested for rubella antibodies. In 52 cases the results were suggestive of a recent infection and the pregnancies were interrupted in the 2nd-6th mth of gestation. Products of conception were examined in 44 cases, 32 with clinical rubella and 12 with suspected subclinical disease. In cases of clinical rubella, placental injuries typical of rubella were found in 62.5% and fetal anomalies were evident in 50%. In cases of suspected subclinical rubella, 20% of the fetuses and 25% of the placentas were injured. A rise in HI antibodies of 32 times or more, or a 4 fold rise in CF antibodies were always accompanied by fetal and placental damage. The teratogenicity of the rubella virus during the last epidemic seems to be high, and even infection during the 4th mth of gestation seemed to have adverse effects on the fetus. During rubella epidemics it is important to examine antibody levels as part of the routine examination of the pregnant woman.