Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

Fifth disease

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Sharmin:
Andy,

I have tried to page the pediatrician but he has not gotten back to me.  Can it be that fifth disease is bad for people having thalassemia or sickle cell anemia because it shuts down production of red blood cells - requiring them to have immediate transfusions - but perhaps not for a transfused thal because they receive transfusions anyway and they do not need to produce red blood cells? 

I am a bit of a wreck right now...I don't know what to think. 

Sharmin

Sharmin:
Andy,

We decided to take the little girl home, but if she was carrying the disease there is a chance that my children may have become exposed.

What should we watch for?  Should the children have a blood test to see if they were exposed?

Sharmin

Andy Battaglia:
I don't think you should worry too much about it. Yes, the girl could be infected and not know it and the normal incubation period is 4-14 days, but as it turns out, IVIG is the first line of treatment against this parvovirus, so little A may have some protection. Talk to your doctor about this and see if there is any reason to test him for parvovirus antibodies. He may be in the clear, even if exposed.

Sharmin:
Thank you Andy.  I am glad that he had his ivig on Wednesday.  He is do for his next ivig in 3 weeks but we may schedule it to be sooner so that he is fully covered.  Maybe it would be helpful to give him IVIm as well - is that typically given?  I think I read that it is the igM that produces antibodies against parvovirus - expect in little a his igM is suppressed somewhat with the ritux and is not replaced (only the IGg is replaced).  What do you think Andy?  His ped hasn't called back but I will try him again in the morning. 

Thank you very much Andy - it is during times like this when I thank god that we have you - times when we can't contact doctors and we are freaking out. 

Sharmin

Sharmin:
The Ped called - Andy you were right the ivig will protect him from fifths disease.  Although the virus is fairly common - as you said Andy thals (particularly thal intermedias), sickle cell anemia patients, and those with other anemias need to be particularly careful if they come into contact with this disease because it can interfere with the production of premature red blood cells causing aplastic anemia - and can become potentially fatal.  Also, anyone having ritux can run into trouble if their IGg is not being replaced - because they would not be able to fight off the virus and would eventually become severely anemic.  Transfused thal majors have protection because they are transfused and they do not need the premature rbcs. 

Andy, the research you did for fifth's disease can be life saving for thal intermedias and sickle cell patients who think they may have been exposed to fifth disease - and the treatment would be IVIg. 

Sharmin

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