B19 Parvovirus non-immune hydrops fetalis: A case report

Abstract

Hydrops fetalis is a non-specific finding of generalized oedema with associated pleural and pericardial effusions and ascites. Since routine immunization of Rhesus negative mothers, the majority of newborns with hydrops have a "non immune" cause (NI-HF). B19 Parvovirus (B19-PV) is one of the most common infective cause of NI-HF. B19-PV infection can cause spontaneous abortion, hydrops fetalis, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and meconium peritonitis, even if one third of maternal infection is asymptomatic. We report a case of hydrops fetalis with consequent death caused by B19-PV infection and we discuss the possible preventive measure and the management of this infection during pregnancy.