Developmental outcomes in children born to women with possible subclinical rubella exposures during pregnancy.

Researchers followed children whose mothers may have been exposed to rubella during pregnancy. These children, now 8-9 years old, had higher rates of autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities compared to other children. While the differences weren't large enough to be statistically certain, the findings suggest a possible link between rubella exposure during pregnancy and later developmental challenges in children.

This follow-up study examined developmental outcomes in 8-9 year old children whose mothers experienced rubella seroconversion during pregnancy. Of 296 originally rubella-nonimmune women, 26 (8.8%) seroconverted to immune status during pregnancy, suggesting possible subclinical rubella exposure. Children in the seroconversion group showed higher rates of autism (12.5% vs 3.9%), ADHD (37.5% vs 18.6%), and any developmental disability (43.8% vs 31.4%) compared to the nonimmune group, though these differences were not statistically significant. When compared to population surveillance data, the seroconversion group showed significantly higher odds of ADHD and any developmental disability, with a trend toward increased autism prevalence.

Findings suggest potential developmental risks following maternal rubella exposure during pregnancy, particularly for ADHD and developmental disabilities. Results support importance of rubella vaccination programs. Clinicians should consider developmental screening for children with possible maternal rubella exposure history, though larger studies needed to confirm associations.

Small sample size with only 26 seroconversion cases. High loss to follow-up (43.6%). Comparison groups differ in design (within-study vs population data). Subclinical rubella exposure assumed but not confirmed. No control for confounding factors reported.

This study investigated outcomes of children born to women who seroconverted to rubella immune during pregnancy. In a prior 2012-2013 study of 296 women who were rubella nonimmune, 26 (8.8%) seroconverted to rubella immune during pregnancy. These same women and their now 8-9 years-old children were queried as to the children's developmental health. After removing exclusions and those lost to follow-up, the total response rate was 115/204 (56.4%).

Three sets of twins in the nonimmune group increased the total to 118. The seroconversion group had more autism (12.5% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.19), ADHD (37.5% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.10), and any developmental disability (43.8% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.39) but none showed a statistical difference between the two groups. Compared to Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring data, the seroconversion group had a greater prevalence of autism (odds ratio [OR] 6.07, p = 0.051, nonsignificant); and to data derived from the National Health Interview Survey, a nonsignificant higher odds of autism (OR 5.57, p = 0.060), higher odds of ADHD (OR 5.65, p = 0.0027) and of any developmental disability (OR 3.59, p = 0.014). The nonimmune group also demonstrated a statistically significant increase for both ADHD and any developmental disability, but not for autism.