Successful full-term twin pregnancy in hemoglobin Brockton: a rare hemoglobinopathy--case report

Abstract

Introduction: Hemoglobin Brockton is indicated by the hemolytic anemia, which is rare qualitative variant of aspect of the hemoglobinopathies. Hemoglobin disorders in pregnancy are associated intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth, and low birth weight. One of the unstable hemoglobinopathies, Hb Brockton associated with pregnancy has not been previously mentioned in the literature. In this case presentation and things to be done in case of a pregnant patient with rare hemoglobinopathy have been reviewed in reference to the literature.

Case report: Twin pregnancy of a 26-year-old patient with Hb Brockton disorder which was diagnosed at the age of 11, and has led to minor hemolytic anemia crisis over the years, was observed. Due to decrease in hemoglobin level, 8 units of transfusion were made. A twin pregnancy continued without any problems until the 38th week when a caesarean section was performed due to breech-breech presentations. The hemoglobin pattern of the newborn was studied at birth and after 1 year; the variant in the mother was not found.

Discussion: During pregnancies with unstable hemoglobinopathy, observation of hemoglobin levels every 3 weeks and carrying out blood transfusions when below 8 g/dl can stabilize the pregnancy in terms of the development of the baby and the mother. Patients with hemoglobinopathy carry an increased risk for complications and should therefore seek medical care early in pregnancy and be managed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.