<br /> In this episode, we tackle the clinical mischief of Parvovirus B19, a common viral infection with a surprisingly wide range of manifestations—from the classic “slapped cheek” rash of erythema infectiosum to aplastic crises in children with hemolytic anemias and fetal hydrops in pregnant contacts. We’ll break down the virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and complications of Parvovirus B19. You’ll also learn how to manage exposures in the emergency department, especially when the child has a pregnant caregiver, and why isolation isn’t always necessary once the rash shows up.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Learning Objectives<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Describe the classic and atypical clinical presentations of Parvovirus B19 infection in pediatric patients, including erythema infectiosum, arthropathy, transient aplastic crisis, and chronic anemia in immunocompromised hosts.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Understand the epidemiology and transmission timeline of Parvovirus B19, especially its seasonal peaks and viral shedding period.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Recognize key diagnostic features that help differentiate Parvovirus B19 from other viral exanthems and systemic illnesses.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Formulate an evidence-based management plan for patients with suspected or confirmed Parvovirus B19, including those with underlying hemolytic disease or immunocompromise.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Counsel families and caregivers—including pregnant household contacts—on the risks, exposures, and infection control considerations related to Parvovirus B19.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Connect with Brad Sobolewski<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * PEMBlog: <a href="https://www.pemblog.com/">PEMBlog.com</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Blue Sky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/bradsobo.bsky.social">@bradsobo</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * X (Twitter): <a href="https://twitter.com/PEMTweets">@PEMTweets</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradsobolewski/">Brad Sobolewski</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Mastodon: <a href="https://med-mastodon.com/@bradsobo">@bradsobo@med-mastodon.com</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> References<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Jordan, Jeanne A. “Treatment and Prevention of Parvovirus B19 Infection.” UpToDate, Jun. 14, 2024. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prevention-of-parvovirus-b19-infection<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Edwards, Morven S. “Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Parvovirus B19 Infection.” UpToDate, Jun. 14, 2024. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-parvovirus-b19-infection<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Macri, Angela, and Crane, Jonathan S. “Parvoviruses.” StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, Jun. 28, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482245/<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Kostolansky, Sean, and Waymack, James R. “Erythema Infectiosum.” StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, Jul. 31, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513309/<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “Parvovirus B19 Infection and Pregnancy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusb19/pregnancy.html<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Transcript<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Note: This transcript was partially completed with the use of the Descript AI and the Chat GPT 4o AI<