From the Guidelines
Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is a common childhood viral infection that typically presents with a distinctive rash and requires only symptomatic treatment. The illness is characterized by fever, headache, chills, myalgia, conjunctival suffusion, and less frequently by meningitis, rash, jaundice, or renal insufficiency, with symptoms that may be biphasic 1. Key features of the disease include:
- A distinctive "slapped cheek" rash on the face
- A lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs
- Symptoms that are usually mild and self-limiting
- Resolution of the illness within 1-3 weeks without complications
- Transmission through respiratory droplets, with patients being most contagious before the rash appears
- Potential complications in pregnant women, people with certain blood disorders, or immunocompromised individuals. Treatment for fifth disease is focused on relieving symptoms, with recommendations including:
- Symptomatic treatment with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
- Rest and adequate fluid intake
- Hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals to prevent transmission.
From the Research
5th Disease Overview
- 5th disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is caused by parvovirus B19 2.
- The disease is characterized by a distinctive "slapped-cheek" rash and can cause anemia, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.
Treatment and Management
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been shown to be effective in treating parvovirus B19 disease, particularly in patients with multiple myeloma 2.
- IVIG can help reduce the severity of cytopenias and allow for the safe administration of antineoplastic therapies 2.
- Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is also used to prevent infections in patients with secondary immunodeficiency, and has been shown to improve health-related quality of life and treatment satisfaction 3.
Immunoglobulin Therapy
- Human immunoglobulin preparations are used to treat various diseases, including primary immunodeficiency diseases and parvovirus B19 disease 4, 2.
- IVIG and SCIG have different administration routes and benefits, and the choice of therapy depends on individual patient needs and preferences 4, 3.
- The efficacy and safety of immunoglobulin therapy have been demonstrated in several studies, including a Phase III trial of a new 10% IVIg preparation in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease 5.