SURVIVAL OF A PRETERM NEONATE WITH LATE-ONSET HYDROPS-FETALIS DUE TO PARVOVIRUS B19 INFECTION

This paper presents a case of non-immune hydrops (NIH) which presented late at 28 weeks' gestation during an otherwise asymptomatic pregnanc y. A severely hydropic female infant was born with significant cardior espiratory compromise; however, aggressive resuscitation and postnatal treatment resulted in a favourable outcome. Parvovirus B19 DNA was su bsequently detected in postnatal blood samples by nested polymerase ch ain reaction. This case emphasizes that survival is achievable even in those cases where intrauterine transfusion is not performed. It highl ights the importance of prompt delivery and intensive neonatal support in such situations.