Hydrops fetalis caused by parvovirus B19 infection: case report and literature review

An intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection can result in severe fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis, which can lead to death. A case of fetal hydrops, diagnosed at 31 weeks gestation, is reported Cordocentesis revealed fetal hemoglobin of 5 g/dL. Due to fetal distress 18 hours later, the baby was delivered by emergency cesarean section and died two days later. Characteristic intra-nuclear inclusions in nucleated red blood cells were found in histopathological examinations of the liver and placenta, which supported the diagnosis of parvovirus B19 infection. Literatures about parvovirus B19 infection, especially intrauterine infection, its effects on the fetus, methods of diagnosis and management, were reviewed.