N. Plachouras et al., Severe nonimmune hydrops fetalis and congenital corneal opacification secondary to human parvovirus B19 infection - A case report, J REPRO MED, 44(4), 1999, pp. 377-380
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.