A newborn screened for congenital infection is confirmed to have congenital rubella syndrome. Which single clinical feature is the MOST common manifestation of this syndrome?

• A Cataract
• B Sensorineural hearing loss ✓
• C Patent ductus arteriosus
• D Purpuric rash

Explanation

Deafness is the most common and often the only manifestation of congenital rubella syndrome, occurring in a large majority of infected infants, and may be the sole sign of infection. Cataract, cardiac defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, and the blueberry muffin purpuric rash are classic but less frequent. Hearing loss may be progressive and can appear even in infants asymptomatic at birth, so all exposed infants need audiological follow-up.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.