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Human parvovirus B19-associated arthritis in children
J J Nocton1, L C Miller, L B Tucker
1Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Floating Hospital for Infants and Children, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
Insights
Human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) infection can cause chronic joint problems in children. This study found that some children develop persistent arthritis lasting months after HPV B19 infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) is known to cause chronic joint complaints in adults.
- The association between HPV B19 infection and joint issues in children requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate joint complaints in children following recent HPV B19 infection.
- To determine the duration and characteristics of joint symptoms in pediatric HPV B19 cases.
Main Methods:
- Case series of 22 children with joint complaints and recent HPV B19 infection.
- Clinical evaluation including physical examination and serologic evidence of infection.
- Assessment of symptom duration and associated constitutional symptoms.
Main Results:
- Twenty children presented with arthritis, and two with arthralgias.
- Eleven children experienced constitutional symptoms alongside joint complaints.
- Six children developed persistent arthritis lasting 2 to 13 months, meeting criteria for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- While HPV B19 often causes acute, short-lived arthritis in children, it can also lead to chronic arthritis.
- Persistent joint symptoms in children following HPV B19 infection warrant consideration for long-term rheumatic conditions.
Abstract:
Human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) infection has been associated with chronic joint complaints in adult patients. We now report 22 children with joint complaints associated with recent HPV B19 infection. These children had either erythema infectiosum or serologic evidence of recent infection. Twenty children had arthritis; two had arthralgias. Eleven children had associated constitutional symptoms. Laboratory findings were generally normal. The duration of joint symptoms was less than 4 months in 14 children; however, six children have had persistent arthritis for 2 to 13 months, which would fulfill criteria for the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Although HPV B19 is usually associated with acute arthritis of brief duration, in some children infection with HPV B19 may be associated with the development of chronic arthritis.