Multiple choice

Hydrops foetalis is due to the defect in the synthesis of

  1. Alfa-globin chain

  2. Beta-globin chain

  3. Delta-globin chain

  4. Gamma-globin chain
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Hydrops fetalis, specifically Hb Barts hydrops fetalis, results from homozygous alpha-globin gene deletion (--/--). Without alpha chains, gamma chains form Hb Barts (gamma4) which has extremely high oxygen affinity, causing severe tissue hypoxia and fetal death. Beta-globin defects cause other thalassemias but not hydrops fetalis.

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