Severe thrombocytopenia and anemia in a child with parvovirus B19 infection (a case report)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/PP.2025.3(103).183190Keywords:
thrombocytopenia, anemia, parvovirus B19 infection, infectious erythema, childrenAbstract
Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a common viral pathogen associated with various hematological disorders, particularly in pediatric patients. This case report highlights a rare presentation of severe thrombocytopenia and anemia in an immunocompetent child after PVB19 infection.
Aim - based on a clinical case, analyze the course of severe thrombocytopenia and anemia in a child with parvovirus infection to raise awareness among physicians about hematological complications associated with PVB19.
Clinical case of severe thrombocytopenia in a 3-month-old Ukrainian boy. The disease began with the appearance of a petechial rash after a mild respiratory illness. Before the boy's illness, his two siblings were diagnosed with PVB19 infection. The child had persistent thrombocytopenia and anemia. In blood PVB19 DNA was revealed, positive immunoglobulin (Ig) G to PVB19 was detected. The child received platelet concentrate transfusions, pulse therapy with prednisolone, and immunoglobulin. There was no stable response to treatment. No immunodeficiency or systemic hematological disease was detected. No genetic predictors of anemia were identified. The final diagnosis was established: Acute parvovirus infection, severe course. Acute thrombocytopenic purpura. Anemia of complex genesis, severe form. Complications: Hypofibrinogenemia. The child was discharged home on day 72 with normal levels of thrombocytes and hemoglobin.
Conclusion. Hematological complications determine the severity of the course and prognosis of PVB19 infection. For these reasons, in young children, considering the likelihood of thrombocytopenia and anemia, for timely diagnosis, it is recommended to determine IgM to PVB19 and verify the diagnosis of PVB19 infection. Severe hematological complications, in particular, transient aplastic crisis, develop after 3-4 weeks, so it is essential to monitor the indicators of a complete blood count in children after PVB19 infection.
The study was conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Parents’ agreement has been received for it.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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