title: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with a parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is potentially fatal. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment are critical for ensuring the best possible prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of parvovirus B19 infection related to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis during pregnancy. The patient experienced fever and pancytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy demonstrated hemophagocytosis and a giant proerythroblasts, which is characteristic of a parvovirus B19 infection. Viral serology for parvovirus B19 was positive. Prompt treatment was started because of the high level of certainty of viral-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and the patient was successfully treated with prednisolone administration. She delivered a healthy newborn without any complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should be considered when encountering unexplained cytopenia and fever. Prednisolone was an effective treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Perinatal Medical Center, Toyota Memorial Hospital, Toyota, Aichi, Japan.
authors.forename: Michinori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mayama
authors.forename: Masato
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yoshihara
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kokabu
authors.forename: Hidenori
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oguchi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051359:Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / Q000821:virology*; D010322:Parvoviridae Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016732:Parvovirus B19, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000821:virology*