--SAE/AA Couple (Alpha Thal Trait Couple)

Hi! My husband and I are both alpha thal traits with 2 genes deleted in cis arrangement. Based on this, our pregnancy outcomes would fall in the ratios: 25% clean, 50% carrier and 25% hydrops fetalis.

2 weeks ago, we went to KKH (Women and Children's Hospital) in Singapore to look for answers for the following:
--- If we do IVF, is there is a way to pre-diagnose the egg prior to fertilization so that we will be spared of the moral dilemma of having to discard thal major embryos (which can be determined with the usual PGD). If we are assured that the egg is not a thal carrier, then there will be no more possibility for a hydrops baby.  The reason for this is that we believe that life is sacred and once the egg is fertilized, life had begun.

--- if there is anything else we can do to increase our energy levels (I know this has been discussed lengthily in this forum but no harm in asking again)

We were met by Dr. A. Lai and Dr. Sadhana, both senior doctors in the Genetics and IVF Departments, respectively.  Results:

--- Pre-diagnoisis of the egg is not yet done is Singapore nor anywhere in Asia, but polar body testing is already being done (though not very common yet) in Chicago. Upon researching online, we found out that polar body testing requires 2 stages.  First is testing of the egg prior to fertilization and the second stage is testing days after fertilization.  So this shut the door for us. 
     We are left to face the 25%, 50%, 25% chances once again. Having lost our pre-mature infant after an emergenccy c-section (not Bart's baby) almost 3 years ago, we feel that we are ready to take the chance, but in Singapore, we also found out through Dr. Sadhana that a hydrops pregnancy also poses maternal danger.  There is greater chances of hypertension which can lead to stroke due to an overworking placenta, etc...
     We have not made a decision yet, but will have to speak with a high-risk doctor to find out about the risks involved if we fall on the worst case scenario.
     
Does anyone have something to share with me regarding this?  I understand if not much, as an experience like this can be too painful to go back to.

Hope my sharing on our medical trip results help other alpha thals who may be reading this.

Cheers,
April   



---On our energy levels, not much, as we already know. 



 

Yes April - that is true. With Hydrops Fetal child there is a risk to the mother during pregnancy.

There is also a chance the child can survive if the couple decides to go ahead with the pregnancy after doing an in vitro transfusion. There have been children born this route and are managing their lives similar to beta thal major.

Thanks, Narendra. 

Hi april:
i have the same case with you as me and my gf are both having alpha thal carrier as well.... i have just sent you a personal msg, maybe we can share more there.... thanks.

loy