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Human Parvovirus B19 in Children with Sickle Cell Disease; Poking the Spleen
Ashraf Abdellah Saad1, Ismail Beshlawi1,2, Abdul Hakim Al-Rawas1
1Child Health Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Insights
Parvovirus infection can cause both transient red cell aplasia (TRCA) and acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). This report highlights this serious dual complication in siblings with SCD.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder.
- Parvovirus B19 is a common viral pathogen.
- Transient red cell aplasia (TRCA) and acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) are known SCD complications.
Observation:
- This report details two siblings with SCD.
- Both siblings presented with concurrent ASSC and TRCA.
- This dual complication was triggered by parvovirus infection.
Findings:
- Parvovirus infection can precipitate both ASSC and TRCA simultaneously in pediatric SCD patients.
- This combination represents a severe clinical scenario requiring prompt recognition and management.
- Literature review indicates limited previous reports on this concurrent presentation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider parvovirus as a potential cause of concurrent ASSC and TRCA in SCD patients.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this severe complication.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and optimize treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Parvovirus is a known culprit of transient red cell aplasia (TRCA) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Few reports have previously described the association between the virus and acute splenic sequestration crisis (ASSC) in the same patient. Here, we are shedding light on such a potentially serious combination by reporting two cases of siblings with SCD complicated with concurrent ASSC and TRCA and presenting a review of the relevant literature.