Two Syndromes Following Rubella Immunization

Abstract

Following a community rubella immunization program for children, 32 cases of two pain syndromes were encountered which differed from previously described arthritis. In one syndrome, children awoke at night with pain and paresthesias in the wrists and hands. In the other, pain in the knee was accompanied by a crouching gait. Some mixed cases occurred. Abnormal nerve conduction tests suggested a transient polyneuropthy in both syndromes. A concomitant carpal tunnel involvement was suggested in two children with the wrist syndrome. The incidence of such complications was 2.2/1,000 immunizations, following dog kidney vaccine and 0.1/1,000 doses of duck embryo vaccine. Normal nerve conduction was demonstrated in three children tested after recovery. No fundamental change in immunization policy would appear to be indicated on the basis of these findings.