Severe nonimmune hydrops fetalis and congenital corneal opacification secondary to human parvovirus B19 infection - A case report

BACKGROUND: In parvovirus infections in animals, congenital anomalies are s een, but the teratogenic potential in humans seems fairly low. CASE: A fetus with hydrops, ascites and pleural effusion was seen at a pren atal ultrasound examination. Fetal cordocentesis uas performed, and fetal b lood was positive for parvovirus antibodies. Intravascular fetal blood tran sfusion suits given at 21 and 23 weeks of gestation. At 39 weeks labor star ted spontaneously, and a 2,960-g,female infant was delivered. The newborn h ad bilateral opacification of the cornea. CONCLUSION: In this case a combination of fetal parvovirus B19 infection an d congenital corneal opacification was seen. This case also demonstrates th at blood transfusions in hydropic fetuses may reverse the hydrops and pre-d ent intrauterine death.