Rubella in Panama: still a problem.
In 1986 there were 3795 cases of acquired rubella reported in the Republic of Panama (177/100,000 population) of which 1550 were from the Metropolitan Region (261/100,000 population). Fifty-four neonates (218/100,000 of those born alive), born predominantly in two medical centers within the capital, were identified with compatible or confirmed congenital rubella manifesting as cardiopathies and neurologic defects in 68.5%; low birth weight in 61%; ocular defects in 48%; muscular tone alterations and psychomotor retardation in 35 and 33%, respectively; and hearing loss and purpura in 29.6%. It is estimated that the annual direct cost of care for these 54 patients would be close to $123,730, and this confirms the high cost of continuing care compared with the use of a safe, economical and efficient vaccine.
Saad de Owens
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Neonatology Service, Hospital de la Caja de Seguro Social, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Tristan de Espino
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010176:Panama; D011247:Pregnancy; D012409:Rubella / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012410:Rubella Syndrome, Congenital / Q000453:epidemiology