Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

Which additional finding is expected in a newborn with congenital rubella syndrome?

1. AChorioretinitis and intracranial calcifications

2. BOval, coppery-brown lesions

3. CSensorineural hearing loss

4. DVesicular lesions on the neck

The correct answer is: CSensorineural hearing loss

In the context of congenital rubella syndrome, sensorineural hearing loss is a key and significant finding. This condition arises when a pregnant person is infected with the rubella virus during the first trimester, leading to various developmental abnormalities in the fetus, including hearing impairments. Sensorineural hearing loss is reported in a substantial percentage of babies affected by congenital rubella syndrome, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% of these infants may experience some degree of hearing loss. The hearing loss can range from mild to profound and is a crucial aspect of the overall clinical picture. Other associated findings of congenital rubella syndrome include various structural anomalies such as congenital heart defects, cataracts, and neurological disorders. While chorioretinitis and intracranial calcifications can occur with other congenital infections, they are not the hallmark signs of rubella. Coppery-brown lesions are typically associated with congenital syphilis, and vesicular lesions are not typical features of congenital rubella. Thus, sensorineural hearing loss stands out as the pertinent additional finding in newborns affected by this condition.