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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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Published on: December 10, 2013

Epidemiology of human parvovirus B19 in children with sickle cell disease

Kim Smith-Whitley1, Huaqing Zhao, Richard L Hodinka

  • 1Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. whitleyk@email.chop.edu

Blood
|October 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Human parvovirus (HPV) B19 frequently infects children with sickle cell disease (SCD), causing aplastic crises. This study highlights the high incidence and severe complications of HPV B19 in SCD patients, emphasizing the need for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
  • Viral Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Human parvovirus (HPV) B19 is a known cause of significant illness in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).
  • Limited epidemiological data exists on HPV B19 infection and its complications within the SCD population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and incidence of HPV B19 infection in children with SCD.
  • To characterize the clinical complications associated with acute HPV B19 infection in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 633 children with SCD from November 1996 to December 2001.
  • Annual testing for HPV B19 infection in susceptible individuals.
  • Documentation of clinical events during acute HPV B19 infections.

Main Results:

  • 30% of SCD patients had prior HPV B19 exposure (IgG positive).
  • Incidence rate of HPV B19 infection was 11.3 per 100 patient-years.
  • Common complications included fever (89.7%), pain (61.8%), aplastic crisis (68 episodes), acute splenic sequestration (19.1%), and acute chest syndrome (11.8%).
  • Pain, fever, and splenic sequestration were more frequent during HPV B19 infections compared to non-infected patients.

Conclusions:

  • HPV B19 infection is highly incident in children with SCD.
  • Acute HPV B19 infection leads to frequent and severe complications, including aplastic crisis, pain, and splenic sequestration.
  • Development of HPV B19 prevention strategies is warranted for this vulnerable population.

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