Erythema infectiosum (slapped cheek syndrome / fifth disease)

Question 1

What is erythema infectiosum? Causative microorganism?

Answer 1

Caused by Parvovirus B19 infection

Common in school aged children, usually mild and self limiting

Question 2

Clinical presentation of erythema infectiosum (slapped cheek syndrome)?

Answer 2

Starts with mild fever, coryza, muscle aches and lethargy etc

After 2-5 days RASH:
Bright red on both cheeks
Then get reticular mildly erythematous rash on trunk and limbs which can be raised and itchy

Rash fades over 1-2 weeks.

Condition is infectious prior to rash forming

Question 3

Management for erythema infectiosum?

Answer 3

Self limiting, healthy adults and children are low risk and management supportively.

In immunocompromised and pregnant women:
Serology testing
Check FBC & reticulocyte count for aplastic anaemia.

Question 4

Complications from erythemia infectiosum in immunocompromised/pregnant women?

Answer 4

Aplastic anaemia
Encephalitis/meningitis
Pregnancy complications including fetal death

Rarely hepatitis, myocarditis, nephritis