TRANSIENT ERYTHROBLASTOPENIA OF CHILDHOOD (TEC)

Key words: Anemia, Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood, Parvovirus, Blackfan-Diamond syndrome (differential diagnosis

The Authors describe the diagnostic, therapeutical and prognostic features of transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) and report 5 cases. This disorder usually occurs in children aged between 6 mounts and 5 years. The clinical picture is characterized by severe anemia with reticulocytopenia and by the paucity of erythrocyte precursors in the bone marrow. Usually, TEC is preceeded by a viral infection. When Parvovirus B19 is involved as ethiologic factor, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are also present. Reticulocytopenia may be absent when the child is first seen at the beginning of spontaneous recovery phase. The prognosis is good. Blood transfusion is rarely necessary. The careful observation of the patient is the only medical support really needed in most cases.