Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 17, Issue 9 547-550, Copyright © 1998 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Resolution of human parvovirus B19-induced nonimmune hydrops after intrauterine transfusion
A. O. Odibo, W. A. Campbell, D. Feldman, P. Y. Ling, M. V. Leo, A. F. Borgida and J. F. Rodis
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
Our objective is to report our experience with cases of prolonged recovery
from nonimmune hydrops secondary to human parvovirus B19 infection
occurring after intrauterine transfusion. We reviewed cases referred to our
unit over a 10 year period for exposure to parvovirus B19 infection. Those
cases with serologic evidence of recent infection were identified. The
cases requiring intrauterine transfusion were reviewed for demographic
details, time of exposure, parvovirus B19 serology, gestational age at
detection of nonimmune hydrops, number and results of fetal blood samples,
duration from intrauterine transfusion to resolution of hydrops, and
neonatal outcome. Of 38 cases identified through serologic evidence of
recent parvovirus B19 infection, 35 (92.1%) did not develop hydrops, and
these were followed by serial ultrasonography for 8 weeks from the time of
exposure. Three cases (7.9%) developed hydrops and required intrauterine
transfusion; in two the transfusion was intravascular and in one it was
intraperitoneal. The mean duration from intrauterine transfusion to
resolution of hydrops was 8 weeks 2 days. Pregnancy outcome in all cases
was normal. In cases of nonimmune hydrops secondary to parvovirus B19
infection, resolution of the hydrops after intrauterine transfusion may
take up to 12 weeks with a normal pregnancy outcome.
