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

• Shim HJ
• Cho EK
• Jeon HJ
• Lee MR
• Kim YS
• Bae DH
• Kim HJ

• 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.

Keyword

beta-Thalassemia; Anemia; Delivery

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anemia
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
beta-Thalassemia
Female
Genetic Counseling
Globins
Hemoglobins
Humans
Korea
Mediterranean Region
Postpartum Period
Pregnant Women
Thalassemia
Vietnam
Globins
Hemoglobins

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) The peripheral blood smear of the patient showing microcytic, hypochromasia with hypochromic central pallor (arrowhead), severe anisopoikilocytosis, coarse basophilic stipplings (arrow) (Wright stain, ×360). (B) The magnification view of the peripheral blood smear showed target cells (arrow) (Wright stain, ×1,000).

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