Hydrops Fetalis Secondary to Bart Hemoglobinopathy

Alpha-thalassemia is the most common cause of hydrops fetalis among Southeast Asians. With the recent influx of Southeast Asian refugees and the rapidly growing Filipino population this will become an increasingly important obstetric problem in the United States. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia, or Bart hemoglobinopathy, is invariably fatal to the fetus and produces significant maternal morbidity. Eighteen cases of homozygous alpha-thalassemia in one hospital are reviewed. This is the largest series reported in the United States. Recommendations are made for antenatal screening, diagnosis, and management of alpha-thalassemia.