Management and Outcome of Pregnancies with Parvovirus B19 Infection over Seven Years in a Tertiary Fetal Medicine Unit

Abstract

Following parvovirus seroconversion, the incidence of significant fetal anaemia requiring transfusion was 17%. Seroconversion after 21 weeks did not result in severe fetal anaemia. Significant anaemia requiring intervention did not occur 12 weeks after maternal seroconversion. We did not demonstrate a correlation with either maternal serum AFP or the presence of fetal echogenic bowel and the development of severe fetal anaemia. Because of the association between fetal anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia, it may be prudent to have compatible platelets available at the time of fetal blood sampling.