Intrauterine transfusion for parvovirus B19 infection: long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Abstract

To evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of children treated with intrauterine transfusions for fetal anemia because of parvovirus B19 infection. Children treated with intrauterine transfusions for fetal anemia because of parvovirus B19 infection underwent standardized age-appropriate neurodevelopmental testing. Main outcome was the incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment. Twenty-eight children were evaluated at a median age of 5 years (range, 1.5-13 years). Neurodevelopmental impairment was diagnosed in 3 of 28 (11%) children, including 1 child with combined cerebral palsy and severe developmental delay and 2 children with isolated severe developmental delay. Neurodevelopmental impairment in children treated with intrauterine transfusion for parvovirus B19 infection is increased compared with the general population. Large long-term follow-up studies are required to determine potential risk factors.