Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome in the Philippines: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background. As part of regional elimination efforts, rubella-containing vaccines (RCV) have recently been introduced in the Philippines, yet the true burden of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the country is largely unknown. Objective. To provide baseline information on rubella and CRS prior to routine vaccine introduction in the Philippines. Methods. We conducted a systematic literature review on rubella and CRS in the Philippines, including a cross-sectional study conducted in 2002 among 383 pregnant women attending the obstetric outpatient clinic of the Philippine General Hospital to assess rubella susceptibility of women of childbearing age. Results. 15 locally published and unpublished studies were reviewed. Susceptibility to rubella among women of childbearing age was higher in rural communities. Retrospective reviews revealed congenital heart diseases, cataracts, and hearing impairments to be most common presentations in children of CRS. In the cross-sectional study, 59 (15.4%) of the 383 pregnant women enrolled were seronegative for rubella IgG. Conclusion. Similar to other countries introducing RCV, it was only recently that surveillance for rubella has been established. Previous studies show substantial disabilities due to CRS and a substantial proportion of susceptible women who are at risk for having babies affected with CRS. Establishment of CRS surveillance and enhanced awareness on rubella case detection should be prioritized.

The burden of congenital rubella syndrome in the Philippines: results from a retrospective assessment

“…We documented the occurrence of CRS in the Philippines; cardiac and ophthalmologic defects were the most common findings, similar to previous studies conducted in Sudan, ( 24 ) Viet Nam ( 25 ) and the Philippines. ( 26 ) Our estimates for CRS varied widely by hospital. WHO estimates that there were 150 cases of CRS per 100 000 live births in the Philippines in 2010, or about 2674 cases of CRS, much higher than estimates obtained in this review.…”

“…In 2002, 15% of women in an urban antenatal clinic remained susceptible to rubella. ( 26 ) In the absence of vaccination, a large cohort of this population remains at risk for being infected with rubella during pregnancy. From 1 January to 22 October 2016, there were 119 laboratory-confirmed cases of rubella out of 1732 suspected measles-rubella cases captured by the Philippine Department of Health surveillance.…”

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“…Consequently, an overall sense of duty regarding rubella control, end, and possible destruction sought to be set up. The rubella-containing vaccines (RCV) introduced in the Philippines in the year 2011, 66 it is not well established that what population is affected by rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in Philippines. For evaluating the effect and burden of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in Philippines, various studies have been carried out; a report concludes that the CRS susceptible women have a high risk of giving birth to a CRS affected child 66 .…”

Prevention of Infectious Diseases due to Immunosuppression and Vaccinations in Asian Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…However, the pathology is thought to be related to an exaggerated im-DOI: 10.1159/000489643 mune response. In the past 20 years, treatment for IBD has advanced greatly, and many new therapeutic agents have been developed.…”