Parvovirus infection in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Virology

Background:

• Parvovirus B19 infection is common in nonimmune pregnant women.
• Maternal parvovirus B19 infection can lead to severe fetal complications.
• Current recommendations do not support postexposure passive immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks and benefits of intrauterine therapies for fetal parvovirus B19 infection.
• To outline appropriate management strategies for suspected congenital parvovirus B19 infection.
• To inform healthcare workers about potential infectivity of infants with congenital parvovirus B19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on parvovirus B19 in pregnancy.
• Analysis of outcomes associated with maternal infection.
• Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Maternal parvovirus B19 disease is typically self-limited.
• Fetal outcomes can be severe, including hydrops fetalis and fetal death.
• Intrauterine therapies like transfusion and digitalization require further study.

Conclusions:

• Congenital parvovirus B19 infection requires careful management, including maternal and infant serology, viral cultures, and ophthalmologic evaluation.
• Healthcare personnel must be aware of the potential infectivity of affected infants.
• Further research is essential to establish definitive recommendations for intrauterine therapy.