The current paradigm of Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 may affect 1-3% of pregnant women, with vertical transmission occurring in 17-33% of these cases. The gold standard for diagnosing maternal infection is IgG/IgM serology testing. Most fetal infections are self-limited; however, fetal surveillance through ultrasound-based methods, including the assessment of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV), aims to detect the presence of anemia and fetal hydrops. An MCA-PSV > 1.5 MoM indicates the need for intrauterine transfusion, which improves mortality rates. Fetal hydrops is associated with worse postnatal outcomes and a higher risk of neurological and neurodevelopmental alterations. Nevertheless, the prognosis is generally favorable.