Ba's hydrops fetalis is lethal because:: (A) Hb Ba's cannot bind oxygen, (B) The excess a-globin form insoluble precipitates, (C) Hb Ba's cannot release oxygen to fetal tissues, (D) Microcytic red cells become trapped in the placental
Answer is C. Hb Ba: Most severe form of Alpha thalassemia As Hb Ba's consists of 4-gamma chains - have very high oxygen affinity Thus, it cannot release oxygen to fetal tissues.