A 38-year-old female gives birth to a stillborn fetus. Autopsy reveals cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites. The most likely cause is:
A) alpha-thalassemia minor.
B) alpha-thalassemia major.
C) hemoglobin H disease.
D) alpha-trait.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The findings of cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites suggest a diagnosis of hydrops fetalis, which is commonly seen in alpha-thalassemia major. Alpha-thalassemia minor and alpha-trait typically do not cause hydrops fetalis, and while hemoglobin H disease can present with hydrops fetalis, it is less common than alpha-thalassemia major.

A 38-Year-Old Female Gives Birth to a Stillborn Fetus