Handicapping Conditions Associated with the Congenital Rubella Syndrome

The authors discuss the incidence of impairments diagnosed among children with congenital rubella syndrome. Approximately 73% are hearing impaired, at least 35% have congenital heart disorders, and 33% have visual defects. Over one-half may have urogenital disorders, and there is increasing evidence of a high incidence of endocrine disorders, and particularly diabetes. A high incidence of psychoneurological involvements has also been reported. In some instances these disorders are progressive, and in other instances they appear to lessen in severity with the child's development and medical intervention. The authors urge thorough examinations of these youth, both for purposes of medical attention and for planning their educational and rehabilitation programs.