[Human parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy. 2 cases]

We report two cases of non immunologic hydrops fetalis associated with intra-uterine human parvovirus B19 (PV B19) infection. The outcome was stillbirth in both cases. Infection by PV B19 was suspected by the presence of intranuclear inclusions in fetal erythroblasts. It was confirmed by the presence of specific immunoglobulins M (IgM) against PV B19 in maternal sera. Intra-uterine infection with human PV B19 is known since 1984; this virus may cause non immunologic hydrops fetalis and stillbirth; teratogenic effects have also been suggested. Epidemiological studies, published in 1988 and 1990 have evaluated the risk of PV B19 fetal related death at 9% and no association was found between infection and congenital anomalies. Subsequent management of infected pregnancies is studied. We emphasize the interest of pathological examination of hydropic stillbirth for this diagnosis.