Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Diabetes: A Review of Epidemiologic, Genetic, and Immunologic Factors

Persons with the congenital rubella syndrome, characterized by the well-recognized abnormalities of the otologic, ocular, cardiac, and neurologic systems, also have an increased risk of developing endocrine disorders. Comprehensive medical studies of 201 rubella-deafened students from three residential schools for the deaf revealed that 20% had either diabetes or other significant abnormalities of glucose metabolism. In addition, 23% had thyroid autoantibodies, and 20% of these had thyroid function disorders. Examination of genetic markers including the human leukocyte antigens demonstrated that a genetically conferred susceptibility to the rubella syndrome may exist. This new evidence dramatically emphasizes the need for further investigation of the endocrine and immunologic systems in deaf individuals with the congenital rubella syndrome as an integral component of their present and future health care.