Generalized Bone Changes and Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Association with Intrauterine Rubella

Two newborn infants are presented whose mothers had rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy. Both infants were born with thrombocytopenic purpura and suggestive evidence of a hemolytic disorder. The second infant had congenital heart disease as well. Roentgenographic changes in the metaphyseal ends of several long bones, observed in the first infant at 3 days of age, regressed completely by 2 months of age. The second infant had roentgenographic evidence of metaphyseal changes of a lesser degree, limited to the distal ends of the femora. These changes were no longer present at 6 weeks of age. Both infants were shown to be harboring an interfering agent with the characteristics of the rubella virus.