An aplastic crisis results from an infection caused by Parvovirus B19. It causes production of RBC’s to be shut down for about 10 days. This means that RBC’s are not being made during this period. Because the RBC's in children with Sickle Cell Anemia live only 10 to 15 days (compared to 120 days in children who do not have Sickle Cell Anemia), the blood count (hemoglobin and hematocrit) drop very rapidly to a dangerously low level during the infection.

Aplastic crisis usually occurs in children under the age of 16 years. It occurs in the general population but can only be noticed in those people with chronic hemolytic anemia (e.g. Sickle Cell Anemia). Recurrences of aplastic crisis are rare.

Most often a blood transfusion is given to raise the blood count until the body can start making its own RBC’s again. Brothers and sisters with Sickle Cell Anemia should have their blood count checked since Parvovirus B19 is very contagious and they may be at risk of an aplastic crisis too.

Origin and Distribution of Sickle Cell Disease, Genetics, Sickle Red Blood Cells, Infections ,Splenic Sequestration, Pain, Chest Syndrome, Aplastic Crisis, Strokes, Gall Stones and Jaundice, Growth and Development, Retinopathy, Priapism