- 2026, Volume 57 - Number 2
- Published: January 20, 2026
Leukoerythroblastosis in sickle cell disease: think about parvovirus B19 infection!
Teresa Ferreira 1, Sónia Mota Faria 2, Filipa Salazar 2, Lucinda Silva 2, Alexandra Santos 2
1 Serviço de Pediatria, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca E.P.E., Amadora, Portugal; 2 Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca E.P.E., Amadora, Portugal
Teresa Ferreira, Sónia Mota Faria, Filipa Salazar, Lucinda Silva, Alexandra Santos
La información completa de afiliaciones y autor de correspondencia está disponible en la versión original en PDF.
*Correspondence: Alexandra Santos, Email not available
Abstract
Introduction: Leukoerythroblastosis is a rare condition characterized by leukocytosis and myeloid and erythroid precursors in the peripheral blood. Only a few cases of parvovirus B19 associated leukoerythroblastosis in a context of SCD have been reported. Case report: A 27-month-old girl with HbSS presented with fever and non-specific symptoms; a WBC of 92,300 × 109/L, hemoglobin 3.3 g/dL, platelets 607 × 109/L, and 113 NRBCs/100 WBCs; her reticulocyte count (RC) was 11,000/uL. A marked leukoerythroblastosis and thrombocytosis were evident on the blood smear. After appropriate treatment and within 48 hours her RC rose to 391,000/uL, her WBC had fallen to 19,500 and her platelets to 419,000. The PB19 IgM was positive. Discussion: This case describes the unusual association between leukoerythroblastosis and thrombocytosis, in conjunction with a transient aplastic crisis secondary to PB19 infection. It also illustrates the clinical utility of the IRF parameter in documenting marrow recovery. PB19 should be considered in the laboratory examinations of children with leukoerythroblastosis.
