High Serum Iron in Human Parvovirus-Induced Aplastic Crisis in Iron Deficiency Anemia

Recent study has shown that the human parvovirus (HPV) is a causative agent of aplastic crisis in hemolytic anemias. In subjects without shortened red blood cell life span, HPV is not associated with symptomatic anemia. A case of iron deficiency anemia revealed by HPV linked to erythroblastopenia is described in a child. On admission, the serum iron was not decreased and other blood chemistry tests were also not consistent with the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Abrupt cessation of erythropoiesis induced by HPV infection appeared to prolong plasma iron clearance, which elevated serum iron concentration.