Potential complications of Parvovirus B19 infection in patients with underlying hemolytic disorders primarily include transient aplastic crisis, which is a sudden cessation of red blood cell production leading to severe anaemia. This occurs because Parvovirus B19 specifically infects erythroid progenitor cells, halting erythropoiesis. In patients with chronic hemolytic conditions such as sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis, who already have increased red cell turnover, this can precipitate life-threatening anaemia requiring urgent medical intervention NICE CG143 Brown 2000.
Other complications include exacerbation of baseline anaemia and potential development of pure red cell aplasia in immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, Parvovirus B19 infection may trigger or worsen autoimmune phenomena, which can complicate the clinical course in these patients Meyer 2003. Rarely, complications such as myocarditis or hydrops fetalis in pregnant women with hemolytic disorders have been reported, though these are less common Bloise et al. 2024.
Management guidelines emphasise early recognition of aplastic crisis in this vulnerable group, with supportive care including transfusions as needed, and monitoring for secondary complications NICE CG143. Recent literature reinforces the importance of considering Parvovirus B19 infection in any patient with hemolytic disease presenting with sudden anaemia and suggests that PCR testing for viral DNA can aid diagnosis Brown 2000Bloise et al. 2024.
Key References
- CG143 - Sickle cell disease: managing acute painful episodes in hospital
- (Brown, 2000): Haematological consequences of parvovirus B19 infection.
- (Meyer, 2003): Parvovirus B19 and autoimmune diseases.
- (Bloise et al., 2024): Parvovirus B19 infection in children: a comprehensive review of clinical manifestations and management.