Vitamin A and D Levels Correlate with Outcomes Following Acute Parvovirus B19 Infection in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Human parvovirus B19, a common childhood infection that typically causes mild disease in healthy individuals, causes life-threatening anemia due to transient red cell aplasia (aplastic crisis) in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This complication often leads to hospitalization and red blood cell transfusions. Limiting the amount of transfusions is imperative to avoid alloimmunization. Strategies to mitigate complications from parvovirus B19 or reduce disease severity in SCD patients are needed. In this prospective observational study, we aim to describe the relationship between vitamin A and D levels and severity of symptoms during parvovirus B19 infection in pediatric patients with SCD.