Clinical features of 10 fetuses with prenatally diagnosed parvovirus b19 infection and fetal hydrops.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical features of fetuses with prenatally diagnosed parvovirus B19 infection and fetal hydrops.

METHODS

Parvovirus infection was diagnosed by PCR analysis of amniotic fluid or fetal blood. Fetal anemia was assessed by Doppler measurements of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) and confirmed by fetal blood. Intrauterine transfusions (IUT) were performed only if the MCA-PSV was > 1.5°MoM.

RESULTS

In our study population 10 cases of parvovirus infection which were associated with fetal hydrops were reviewed. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 21 (16.3-24.2) weeks. Five of our cases received IUT and four fetuses survived. The remaining five cases were managed conservatively and two fetuses survived.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival rate for parvovirus infection associated with fetal hydrops was 60%. MCA-PSV and IUT are useful for the management and treatment of fetal anemia due to parvovirus infection.