A Case of Babesiosis in a Pregnant Patient Treated with Red Blood Cell Exchange Transfusion. (30th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abittan, Baruch; Nizam, Aaron; Oey, Michael; Callan, Felicia; Simmonds, Lisa; Pachtman, Sarah L.
• Other Names: Porpora Maria Grazia Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 2019(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-05-30
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Obstetrics; Gynecology; Genital Diseases, Female; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/9869323
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6684

Abstract

Abstract : Babesiosis, caused predominantly by Babesia microti, is an emerging health risk in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. We present a case of a pregnant woman with history of splenectomy diagnosed with babesiosis at 23 5/7 weeks of gestational age refractory to antimicrobial therapy. She underwent the first reported red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis in pregnancy, at 24 4/7 weeks of gestational age, which resulted in resolution of parasitemia. She had a full term, uncomplicated cesarean delivery. Exchange transfusion is potentially a safe treatment option for severe babesiosis infection in pregnancy and should be considered when other methods are poorly tolerated or ineffective.