Korean J Obstet Gynecol.
2011 Jul;54(7):381-385. 10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.7.381.
A case of vaginal delivery in beta-thalassemia minor pregnant woman
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. drsook@schmc.ac.kr
- 2Department of Laboratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
- KMID: 2274054
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.7.381
Abstract
- The thalassemias are a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders of hemoglobin synthesis. The thalassemias are classified into two main varieties, alpha- and beta-, depending on which of the adult globin chain is produced in reduced amounts. The beta-thalassemia is the homozygous and heterozygous state, and common in the Mediterranean region. Homozygous beta-thalassemia is usually associated with severe anemia. beta-Thalassemia minor, the heterozygous state, is characterized by hypochromia, microcytosis and an elevated of HgA2. No treatment is required for thalassemia minor, but it is important to exclude iron deficiency anemia and postpartum genetic counseling. Recently, beta-thalassemia minor keeps rising steadily in Korea due to the increase in international marriges. Recently we have experienced a vaginal delivery in a beta-thalassemia minor Vietnam woman associated with mild anemia. We describe this case with a brief review of the literature.
