[Human parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy. 2 cases]. / L'infection à parvovirus B19 au cours de la grossesse. A propos de deux observations.

We report two cases of non immunologic hydrops fetalis associated with intra-uterine human parvovirus B19 (PV B19) infection. The outcome was stillbirth in both cases. Infection by PV B19 was suspected by the presence of intranuclear inclusions in fetal erythroblasts. It was confirmed by the presence of specific immunoglobulins M (IgM) against PV B19 in maternal sera. Intra-uterine infection with human PV B19 is known since 1984; this virus may cause non immunologic hydrops fetalis and stillbirth; teratogenic effects have also been suggested. Epidemiological studies, published in 1988 and 1990 have evaluated the risk of PV B19 fetal related death at 9% and no association was found between infection and congenital anomalies. Subsequent management of infected pregnancies is studied. We emphasize the interest of pathological examination of hydropic stillbirth for this diagnosis.

[Comparative study on the dependence of quantitative results in the electron microscopic autoradiography on the type of developer (Microdol X, Phenidon) (author's transl)]. / Vergleichende Untersuchung über die Abhängigkeit quantitativer Ergebnisse in der elektronenmikroskopischen Autoradiographie von der Art des Entwicklers (Microdol-X, Phenidon).

It was the aim of the investigation to compare quantitative results of electron microscopic autoradiographs after the use of different developers (Microdol X, Phenidon) adapting morphometrical methods. Erythroblasts of rabbit were tested after incorporation of 3H-uridine in vitro. Both developers showed the same tendency at higher rates of incorporation (basophilic erythroblasts and polychromatic erythroblasts). Using Phenidon, however, we could obtain only half the values for the individual cell components. At high rates of incorporation Microdol X results in an overlapping of the silver filaments. Thus, more distinct grains can be reached by Phenidon. At smaller rates of incorporation (orthochromatic erythroblasts) after using Phenidon a quantitative evaluation is however influenced by too many factors of uncertainty so that according to our investigations Microdol X is better suited for a quantitative evaluation of electron microscopic autoradiographs.