Which virus accounts for 8-10% of non-immune hydrops fatalities?

Parvovirus B19 is known to be a significant cause of non-immune fetal hydrops and is responsible for approximately 8-10% of fatalities associated with this condition. Non-immune hydrops occurs when there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the fetal compartments that is not due to Rh incompatibility or other immune-related issues. Parvovirus B19 infects erythroid progenitor cells in the fetal liver, leading to anemia and potentially triggering heart failure, which can result in hydrops.

In cases where Parvovirus B19 infection occurs during pregnancy, the risk of severe outcomes increases, particularly when the infection leads to fetal anemia. The resultant heart failure can lead to hydrops fetalis, characterized by ascites, pleural effusion, and skin edema. Understanding Parvovirus B19's role in this scenario emphasizes the importance of prenatal screening and monitoring for viral infections during pregnancy.

Other viruses such as cytomegalovirus, rubella, and varicella can also contribute to congenital infections; however, their association with non-immune hydrops is less significant compared to Parvovirus B19. Each of these other viruses can cause a range of serious complications in pregnancy, but when it comes specifically to non-immune hydro