Medical Laboratory Scientist ASCP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Hydrops Fetalis refers to a condition characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the fetal compartments, which can lead to significant complications during pregnancy. Alpha thalassemia major, also known as Hemoglobin H disease or Bart's hydrops fetalis when severe, can cause hydrops fetalis due to the severe anemia and heart failure that results from the erythrocyte (red blood cell) destruction. The severe genetic defect in alpha thalassemia leads to a reduced production of alpha globin chains, which results in very low hemoglobin levels, and consequently, can lead to the body’s inability to compensate, often resulting in fluid build-up.

In contrast, beta thalassemia minor generally causes mild symptoms and does not typically result in severe fetal anemia or hydrops. Sickle cell disease is primarily characterized by vaso-occlusive crises and chronic hemolysis but is not directly associated with hydrops fetalis. Iron deficiency anemia, while it can have serious effects in pregnant women, particularly affecting the mother's health, is not typically linked with the severe fetal complications seen in hydrops fetalis. Therefore, alpha thalassemia major is the condition that directly correlates to hydrops fetalis.