Alpha thalassaemia hydrops fetalis in the UK: the importance of screening pregnant women of Chinese, other South East Asian and Mediterranean extraction for alpha thalassaemia trait

Abstract

We recommend early screening for alpha zero thalassaemia trait for all women of Southeast Asian or eastern Mediterranean origin and the offer of prenatal diagnosis when indicated. The diagnosis of alpha thalassaemia hydrops fetalis should be considered in women of the relevant ethnic origin who have a stillbirth, neonatal death, abnormal ultrasound findings at fetal anomaly scanning (especially a large placenta), or who develop pre-eclampsia.