Parvovirus B19 in Pregnancy
Authors: Boissiere Jaye , Watkins Virginia , Kuller Jeffrey A. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. 
Published: May 2024

Importance

Although the risk of parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy and subsequent risk of adverse fetal outcome are low, understanding management practices is essential for proper treatment of fetuses with nonimmune hydrops fetalis. In addition, continued investigation into delivery management, breastfeeding recommendations, and congenital abnormalities associated with pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19 infection is needed.

Objective

This review describes the risks associated with parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy and the management strategies for fetuses with vertically transmitted infections.

Evidence Acquisition

Original articles were obtained from literature search in PubMed, Medline, and OVID; pertinent articles were reviewed.

Results

Parvovirus B19 is a viral infection associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. Up to 50% of people of reproductive age are susceptible to the virus. The incidence of B19 in pregnancy is between 0.61% and 1.24%, and, overall, there is 30% risk of vertical transmission when infection is acquired during pregnancy. Although most pregnancies progress without negative outcomes, viral infection of the fetus may result in severe anemia, congestive heart failure, and hydrops fetalis. In addition, vertical transmission carries a 5% to 10% chance of fetal loss. In pregnancies affected by fetal B19 infection, Doppler examination of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity should be initiated to surveil for fetal anemia. In the case of severe fetal anemia, standard fetal therapy involves an intrauterine transfusion of red blood cells with the goal of raising hematocrit levels to approximately 40% to 50% of total blood volume. One transfusion is usually sufficient, although continued surveillance may indicate the need for subsequent transfusions. There are fewer epidemiologic data concerning neonatal risks of congenital parvovirus, although case reports have shown that fetuses with severe anemia in utero may have persistent anemia, thrombocytopenia, and edema in the neonatal period.

Conclusions and Relevance

Parvovirus B19 is a common virus; seropositivity in the geriatric population reportedly reaches 85%. Within the pregnant population, up to 50% of patients have not previously been exposed to the virus and consequently lack protective immunity. Concern for parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy largely surrounds the consequences of vertical transmission of the virus to the fetus. Should vertical transmission occur, the overall risk of fetal loss is between 5% and 10%. Thus, understanding the incidence, risks, and management strategies of pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19 is essential to optimizing care and outcomes. Further, there is currently a gap in evidence regarding delivery management, breastfeeding recommendations, and the risks of congenital abnormalities in pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19. Additional investigations into optimal delivery management, feeding plans, and recommended neonatal surveillance are needed in this cohort of patients.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to discuss the incidence of parvovirus B19 in both the general and pregnant population as well as the risks associated with parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy; explain current management standards for pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19; and describe the gaps in knowledge regarding risk of congenital abnormalities, delivery recommendations, and breastfeeding practices for patients with pregnancies complicated by parvovirus B19.