In immunocompromised hosts, Parvovirus may chronically infect the marrow. Fetal Hydrops infected fetuses will have severe anemia, high output failure, and extramedullary hematopoiesis. There may be a direct affect of the virus on the myocardium. Arthropathy Unusual in young children usually self limited although may develop arthritis in rare cases. Diagnosis Increased IgM levels during the acute phase.
Few labs do the test.
Presence of increased IgG titers usually not helpful. The mother should inform her obstetrician that she was exposed to Parvovirus B19. Use of IVIG for immunocompromised exposed patients and pregnant women has not been proven to be effective. References Adams, Denise and Ware, Russell. Contemporary Pediatrics April 1996.