H's twin was dx a couple of weeks ago with fifths disease. Not a big deal for him as it is a common childhood illness.
per kidshealth.org
Complications
The majority of kids with fifth disease recover with no complications. By the time the rash appears and while it's present, they usually feel well and are back to their normal activities.
However, some children with weakened immune systems (such as those with AIDS or leukemia) or with certain blood disorders (like sickle cell anemia or hemolytic anemia) may become significantly ill when infected with parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 can temporarily slow down or stop the body's production of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells (RBCs), causing anemia.
When a child is healthy, this slowdown of RBC production usually goes unnoticed because it doesn't affect overall health. But some kids who are already anemic can become sick if their RBC production is further affected by the virus. The RBC levels may drop dangerously low, affecting the supply of oxygen to the body's tissues.
After reading this, I was a little concerned since H is on remicade (and aza at the time). I called the GI clinic and the nurse indicated that it was ok since he did not have a "weakened immune system" but a suppressed one.
At H's appt with the GI last week, we discussed that his Hgb was slightly low at 11.8. Also another marker indicated he was fighting something. I mentioned that his twin was dx with fifths and I had a cold the prior week. The GI was okay with the numbers since he was feeling well and attributed it to fighting off the illnesses in our home, but not coming down with anything.
Now I am looking at his blood tests and his RBC has dropped along with the Hgb.
Do you think I should be concerned? H does not show any signs of fifths at this time, the incubation period is 4 to 28 days and 50% of the time other family members get it. Could fifths be behind the couple of numbers that were off.
per kidshealth.org
Complications
The majority of kids with fifth disease recover with no complications. By the time the rash appears and while it's present, they usually feel well and are back to their normal activities.
However, some children with weakened immune systems (such as those with AIDS or leukemia) or with certain blood disorders (like sickle cell anemia or hemolytic anemia) may become significantly ill when infected with parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 can temporarily slow down or stop the body's production of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells (RBCs), causing anemia.
When a child is healthy, this slowdown of RBC production usually goes unnoticed because it doesn't affect overall health. But some kids who are already anemic can become sick if their RBC production is further affected by the virus. The RBC levels may drop dangerously low, affecting the supply of oxygen to the body's tissues.
After reading this, I was a little concerned since H is on remicade (and aza at the time). I called the GI clinic and the nurse indicated that it was ok since he did not have a "weakened immune system" but a suppressed one.
At H's appt with the GI last week, we discussed that his Hgb was slightly low at 11.8. Also another marker indicated he was fighting something. I mentioned that his twin was dx with fifths and I had a cold the prior week. The GI was okay with the numbers since he was feeling well and attributed it to fighting off the illnesses in our home, but not coming down with anything.
Now I am looking at his blood tests and his RBC has dropped along with the Hgb.
Do you think I should be concerned? H does not show any signs of fifths at this time, the incubation period is 4 to 28 days and 50% of the time other family members get it. Could fifths be behind the couple of numbers that were off.