Abstract

We present a rare case of fetal α thalassaemia with hydrops fetalis born to a Filipino couple. Maternal Hb suggested α-thalassaemia trait. Given the high risk ethnic background for α⁰-thalassaemia the couple were tested for α-globin gene cluster which showed highly unstable alpha-chain variant Hb Adana leading to an α⁺thalassaemia phenotype. The risk for hydrops fetalis was 1 in 4. Amniocentesis showed normal karyotype. DNA analysis from amniocytes showed the fetus to be compound heterozygous for the α⁰–thalassaemia deletion and the Hb Adana mutation (genotype --^FIL/αα^Adana). The partners declined any interventions. Hydrops fetalis developed and intrauterine fetal death was diagnosed 28 weeks of gestation. National screening algorithm aims to identify couples at risk of Hb Barts hydrops fetalis due to homozygous α⁰-thalassaemia. Couples at risk for non deletional Hb H disease in England may not be identified by routine screening.