Human parvovirus B19 infection presenting as persistent anemia in renal transplant recipients. Transplantation 2000 Jun 27;69(12):2666-9
Date
07/26/2000Pubmed ID
10910292DOI
10.1097/00007890-200006270-00030Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0034720763 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 40 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Immunosuppression cannot be achieved without immunosuppressive effects. Human Parvovirus infection is known to occur after organ transplantation. We present our experience with Parvovirus infection in two cases.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Two kidney transplant recipients developed symptomatic anemia requiring blood transfusions. Common causes of anemia, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, iron/vitamin deficiencies, hemolysis, and drug toxicities, were ruled out. A peripheral smear revealed low reticulocyte count. Bone marrow examination showed hypoplastic bone marrow with intranuclear inclusions suggestive of human Parvovirus. This was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Treatment with i.v. immunoglobulin G resulted in a dramatic sustained response. Transplant kidney function remained stable.
CONCLUSION: Human Parvovirus infections should be considered in immunosuppressed individuals with anemia with poor bone marrow response. Bone marrow examination can reveal viral inclusions and can be confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Intravenous immunoglobulin G results in resolution of anemia.
Author List
Pamidi S, Friedman K, Kampalath B, Eshoa C, Hariharan SAuthor
Kenneth D. Friedman MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAnemia
Female
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
Immunohistochemistry
Kidney Transplantation
Male
Middle Aged
Parvoviridae Infections
Parvovirus B19, Human
