erythema infectiosum

Question 1

what are some other names for erythema infectiosum?

Answer 1

fifth disease, slap-cheek disease

Question 2

how is erythema infectiosum spread?

Answer 2

by contact with respiratory secretions or blood

Question 3

erythema infectiosum is a common illness seen in ____, and can cause _____

Answer 3

childhood, aplastic anemia

Question 4

infection with erythema infectiosum during pregnancy can cause what?

Answer 4

fetal hydrops

Question 5

epidemics involving erythema infectiosum occur during what season?

Answer 5

spring

Question 6

explain fetal hydrops.

Answer 6

abnormal accumulation of fluid in 2 or more fetal compartments (ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, skin edema)

Question 7

what is the causative organism of erythema infectiosum?

Answer 7

parvovirus B19, single stranded DNA virus

Question 8

what is the incubation period associated with erythema infectiosum?

Answer 8

4-14 days

Question 9

how does erythema infectiosum present?

Answer 9

• mild systematic illness (fever, malaise, HA, myalgias), low-grade fever or no fever!
• distinctive rash 7-10 days later: cheeks show flushing with circumoral pallor (slapped cheeks!)
• lacy/RETICULAR rash on trunk and extremities
  > starts red and then has central clearing creating lacy look
  > most prominent on EXTREMITIES!!

Question 10

describe the rash associated with erythema infectiosum.

Answer 10

• intensifies with fever/exposure to sunlight (heat)
• lasts 3-5 days without sequelae (desquamation)
• may recur with exercise, bathing, rubbing, stress, heat
• NON-INFECTIOUS ONCE RASH APPEARS
• rarely, limited to hands and feet (glove and stocking appearance)

Question 11

what are some complications associated with erythema infectious?

Answer 11

• parvovirus B19 affects RBC precursors in bone marrow
• decreases number of circulating reticulocytes (immature RBCs)
• in healthy children, does not produce significant anemia
• transient aplastic crisis in children with diseases which shorten lifespan of RBCs such as HIV

Question 12

how would you evaluate/diganose a patient with erythema infectiosum?

Answer 12

• primarily a clinical diagnosis
• can be diagnosed by serum IgM or IgG
• self limiting: hydrate and antipyretics (anti-fever)
• transient aplastic crisis: respiratory isolation and IV immunoglobulin

Question 13

explain the difference between getting erythema infectiosum as a child vs as an adult

Answer 13

in teens and adults: no rash, significan arthritis, myalgias and arthralgia, Gi upset, fatigue, pharyngitis and coryza
(mild in children and miserable is you are older when you catch it!)