Diabetic ketoacidosis in a child with congenital rubella syndrome: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) usually occurs in a developing fetus of a pregnant woman who has contracted rubella, usually in the first trimester. With universal rubella vaccination, the incidence of CRS in developed countries has drastically reduced. However, in developing countries, CRS continues to be a public health menace in children. Sensorineural deafness, cataract, micropthalamia, patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary stenosis are common clinical manifestations in a child affected with CRS. Other relatively rare manifestations are hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and blueberry muffin spots. Although it is well known that CRS predisposes towards development of diabetes mellitus usually in adults, but in children only anecdotal case reports are available. Latent viral infection, immune mediated mechanism and HLA allele predisposition are various possible pathogenic mechanisms. Majority of affected persons require insulin therapy. Hereby we are demonstrating a case of seven year old boy with CRS, who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and was successfully managed with insulin therapy. This report intends to aware clinicians regarding predisposition of children with CRS for developing diabetes, as timely diagnosing and instituting insulin therapy will help in avoiding complications and improving their quality of life.