Prevention of Rubella by Gamma Globulin during an Epidemic in Barrow, Alaska, in 1964

Abstract

DEPRESSION of the clinical symptoms of rubella by gamma globulin has been reported.^{1 2 3} Concern exists, however, since these results have not been consistent.^{1 , 4 , 5} Large doses of gamma globulin do not prevent infections of chicken pox,⁶ and possibly not hepatitis,⁷ although clinical symptoms may be depressed or delayed. Since rubella infection, with or without clinical symptoms, is a potential hazard to the developing fetus the recommended preventive dose of gamma globulin has steadily risen until recently it has become the practice to use 20 ml. for pregnant patients.⁵ With the advent of laboratory diagnostic procedures for isolation of rubella virus and . . .