B19 PARVOVIRUS INFECTION IN CHILDREN WITH MALIGNANT SOLID TUMORS RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY

Two children with rhabdomyosarcoma developed severe anemia following chemotherapy; anemia was more severe compared to that observed following earlier chemotherapy cycles. While one patient had a brisk reticulocytosis, the other had no demonstrable reticulocytes. Both patients had evidence of acute B19 parvovirus infection and subsequently developed appropriate antibody response. A diagnosis of B19 parvovirus infection should be considered in any patient who develops persistent or severe anemia while on chemotherapy. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.