Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
What are the serious complications of fifth
disease?
Rarely, patients develop erythrocyte aplasia. This is when the bone marrow stops forming a normal number of red blood cells. This complication is rare and usually transient but can be fatal. Patients who are immunocompromised (having an immune system that has been impaired by disease or treatment) are at a high risk of this complication.
Pregnant women (who have not previously had the illness) should avoid contact with patients who have fifth disease. The fifth disease virus can infect the fetus prior to birth. And, while no birth defects have been reported as a result of fifth disease, in 2%-10% of infected pregnant women, it can cause the death of the unborn fetus.
What is the treatment for fifth disease?
The treatment is supportive only. Fluids, acetaminophen,
and rest are important. Antibiotics are of no use in the treatment
of fifth disease since it is a viral illness. In those with
persistent
arthritis, antiinflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or
naproxen can be used.
How is the virus spread, and should I be isolated
if I have fifth disease?
The virus of fifth disease is spread mostly by droplets. This means that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can be spread. However, once the rash is present, the person
is usually no longer infectious and need not be isolated.
Thrombocytopenia refers to a decreased number of platelets in the blood. There are many causes of thrombocytopenia such as decreased platelet production (viral infections for example rubella, mumps, chickenpox, hepatitis C, and HIV); increased platelet destruction or consumption (for example sulfonamide antibiotics, heparin, blood transfusions, and lupus); or increased splenic sequestration (enlarged spleen due to conditions for example liver disease, blood cancers, and more). Treatment of thrombocytopenia depends on the cause.
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Treatment focuses on symptom relief. The disease can be prevented with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs of septic arthritis include fever, joint pain, chills, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Treatment involves antibiotics and the drainage of the infected joint.
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