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Herbivore-induced Blueberry Volatiles and Intra-plant Signaling
Published on: December 18, 2011
Benign transient blueberry muffin baby
R Bagna1, E Bertino, I Rovelli
1Neonatology, Department of Pediatics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. rossana.bagna@tin.it
Minerva Pediatrica
|May 15, 2010
Summary
This case report details a severe fetal anemia of unknown origin diagnosed via Doppler sonography. Despite treatment and a blueberry muffin rash, the cause remained elusive, with spontaneous recovery observed.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Hematology
Background:
- Severe fetal anemia presents diagnostic challenges, necessitating advanced imaging and laboratory assessments.
- Fetal anemia can lead to complications such as hydrops fetalis and requires timely intervention.
Observation:
- A case of severe fetal anemia was diagnosed at 24 weeks gestation, identified by fetal ascites and elevated middle cerebral artery systolic velocity.
- Fetal blood sampling confirmed hyporegenerative anemia. The neonate presented with a blueberry muffin rash and extramedullary erythropoiesis post-birth.
Findings:
- Despite excluding infectious, hematologic, neoplastic, and systemic causes, the etiology of the fetal anemia remained unknown.
- The neonate received a red blood cell transfusion, leading to the rapid resolution of the rash and spontaneous increase in reticulocytes.
- The child experienced a regular clinical course and good health outcomes up to two years of age, with no definitive diagnosis established.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering idiopathic causes of severe fetal anemia.
- The spontaneous resolution of symptoms suggests potential self-limiting mechanisms or a transient etiology.
- Further research is needed to understand and diagnose rare, unexplained cases of fetal anemia and associated dermatological manifestations.
