Ultrasonographic method for detection of haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis in the second trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

In nine pregnant women at risk for fetal alpha-thalassaemia, the two affected fetuses were diagnosed by ultrasonography at 18-20 weeks' gestation. In countries with limited resources, ultrasonography provides a cost-effective method of prenatal screening for this condition.

Second‐trimester Hydrops Fetalis in Pregnancies Affected by Homozygous Α‐thalassaemia‐1

“…It may not be available in parts of South-East Asia where the disease is prevalent (Tongsong et al, 1996). Pregnancies at risk are often examined serially by ultrasound, followed by cordocentesis and haemoglobin study in those with hydropic changes to confirm homozygous -thalassaemia-1 (Kanokpongsakdi et al, 1990). The results of the present series show that serial scanning should start at 12 weeks to detect those affected fetuses with hydropic changes in early gestation.…”

Molecular Epidemiological Characterization and Health Burden of Thalassemia in Jiangxi Province, P. R. China

“…Therapeutic abortion was suggested for the foetus diagnosed as having this disease. Although ultrasonography provided unambiguous detection of Bart's hydrops fetalis at 18–20 week of pregnancy [26], DNA diagnosis from chorionic villi or amniotic fluid fibroblasts was strongly recommended in Ganzhou region for detecting Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis as early as 10–16 week gestation [27]. Therefore, it needs the local government and the health departments to develop a system of prevention and control program to decrease thalassemia major in the Ganzhou region.…”

EARLY ULTRASOUND PREDICTION OF PREGNANCIES AFFECTED BY HOMOZYGOUS Α-Thalassaemia-1

“…We have demonstrated that ultrasound measurement of placental thickness is useful in differentiating normal from affected pregnancies (Ghosh et al, 1994). Preliminary results from a retrospective study and a case report suggested that fetal cardiomegaly would be evident in pregnancies affected by homozygous -thalassaemia-1 on ultrasound examination in the late second trimester (Ghosh et al, 1987;Kanokpongsakdi et al, 1990). The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the use of ultrasonographic fetal cardiac measurement and placental thickness measurement in the prediction of homozygous -thalassaemia-1 in the early second trimester.…”