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Pregnancy-associated parvovirus B19 infection causing postinfectious glomerulonephritis
1Division of Nephrology, McGill University Health Center, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. tiina.podymow@muhc.mcgill.ca
Hypertension in Pregnancy
|September 8, 2010
Summary
This case study describes a rare instance of parvovirus B19 infection causing glomerulonephritis in pregnancy. The condition resolved, allowing for a healthy mother and infant outcome.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Postinfectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is a known complication of various infections.
- Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy is typically associated with fetal hydrops and anemia.
- PIGN due to parvovirus B19 in pregnant individuals has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A pregnant patient developed hypertension, nephrotic-range proteinuria, and pure red cell aplasia.
- Symptoms appeared two weeks after contracting parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) in the first trimester.
- Serum parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies were positive, confirming acute infection.
Findings:
- Renal biopsy revealed diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis.
- Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy showed changes consistent with PIGN.
- Maternal renal, hemodynamic, and hematological parameters normalized by 16 weeks gestation.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of parvovirus B19 complications during pregnancy.
- It highlights the importance of considering parvovirus B19 in pregnant patients presenting with nephritic or nephrotic syndromes.
- Successful pregnancy outcomes are possible even with parvovirus B19-induced glomerulonephritis.
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