Nonimmune hydrops fetalis due to autosomal recessive hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary spherocytosis is the most common form of inherited hemolytic anemia and is characterized by a structural defect in the RBC membrane. The disorder is commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and leads to a mild to moderate anemia. The autosomal recessive form of hereditary spherocytosis is rarely reported in association with fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis.

A 25 year old G5 P2112 at 25 2/7 weeks gestation presents with severe fetal anemia and nonimmune hydrops fetalis requiring multiple fetal intrauterine transfusions. After delivery, the neonate required several double volume exchange transfusions and ultimately was diagnosed with autosomal recessive hereditary spherocytosis weeks after birth. The neonate was identified to have a rare homozygous genetic mutation, SPTA1c.6154delG, which leads to absent production of normal α-spectrin.

The case highlights the importance of considering less common genetic mutations involving the RBC structural proteins when patients present with severe fetal anemia and nonimmune hydrops fetalis.