Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Intermedia => Topic started by: olivia mary on December 20, 2010, 02:47:29 AM

Title: thalassemia and the 5th disease
Post by: olivia mary on December 20, 2010, 02:47:29 AM

Hi hope everyone is well!

I was wondering if anyone has any information about the effects that the 5th disease has on a person with thal.
The 5th disease is the human parvovirus....parvo B19. It slows down the production of red bloodcells. I think my son and my newphew had the virus. I want to take my son for a blood test to see if he has it so I will know if Liv starts to show symptoms I will be able to act quickly.

I hope everyone has a Healthy holiday season.!

thanks Kathleen

Title: Re: thalassemia and the 5th disease
Post by: Andy Battaglia on December 20, 2010, 03:07:50 AM

Hi Kathleen,

We have had this raised before. You can see the earlier posts at
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=2681.msg25246#msg25246

It does pose more danger in thal intermedia but I believe this is mainly in non-transfused patients, because of the sudden suppression of bone marrow. It may also pose some danger to thal minors who already have unusually low hemoglobin levels, so minors should be monitored for extreme lethargy if infected. If your daughter's bone marrow is totally suppressed by transfusions, it may not pose much risk. But to be safe, your daughter should avoid exposure as much as possible. If the others have it, make sure there is plenty of hand washing and that they avoid contact with each other.

Title: Re: thalassemia and the 5th disease
Post by: olivia mary on December 20, 2010, 03:34:52 AM

Thanks Andy I will check that link