A child died soon after bih. On examination, there was hepatosplenomegaly and oedema all over the body. Most probable diagnosis is -: (A) Beta Thalassemia, (B) Alpha Thalassemia, (C) Hereditary spherocytosis, (D) Sickle cell anemia
Answer is B. - Features given in the question suggests the diagnosis of Hydrops fetalis. - Out of all the four types of hemolytic anemias only severe form of alpha thalassemia caused d/t deletion of all 4 alpha globin chains, have such severe presentation at bih. - In all other conditions the newborn is either normal or has mild jaundice.