Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood and COVID-19 infection: a case report

ABSTRACT

Aim: Emphasize the importance of including transient erythroblastopenia of childhood in the differential diagnosis of anemia in a previously healthy young child, aiming to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, and describe the influence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection on the course and outcome of the disease. Case report A two-and-a-half-year-old girl was referred to the emergency hospital department due to severe anemia. On admission, she was in good general condition, asymptomatic, with pale skin and mucous membranes, and no other abnormalities. Previous and family history were negative. Repeated findings confirmed isolated severe normocytic normochromic anemia. Spontaneous recovery was observed. Intercurrent COVID-19 infection with associated neutropenia and thrombocytopenia the course but not the favorable outcome of the disease. Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood was diagnosed, with complications due to COVID-19 infection. The treatment was supportive. She was followed up on an outpatient basis, until complete recovery of anemia two months after hospitalization. Conclusion: Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood is an acquired self-limiting disorder, characterized by anemia and reticulocytopenia due to temporary suppression of erythropoiesis in a previously healthy child. The evaluation should be focused on excluding other causes of anemia. COVID-19 infection does not affect a favorable outcome of the disease. © 2022, Croatian Medical Association. All rights reserved.