A neonate is born with severe hydrops fetalis and severe anemia. The mother had a flu-like illness with a malar rash during the second trimester. What is the primary mechanism of anemia in this neonate?

• A Immune-mediated hemolysis
• B Microangiopathic hemolysis
• C Iron deficiency
• D Suppression of erythropoiesis ✓

Explanation

Parvovirus D19 directly infects and destroys erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, leading to transient aplastic crisis and severe anemia. This profound anemia causes high-output cardiac failure, resulting in hydrops fetalis. The anemia is not immune-mediated, nor is it due to iron deficiency or microangiopathic destruction. The virus specifically targets red blood cell precursors.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.