Hemoglobin Bart's has a high affinity for oxygen but is inefficient at releasing it to tissues. This results in severe hypoxia (lack of oxygen) at the tissue level, which can lead to organ damage and failure. In fetuses, this condition manifests as hydrops fetalis, characterized by severe edema, ascites, and cardiac failure. Postnatal survival is rare, and affected infants typically require intensive medical intervention. Prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling are crucial for managing affected pregnancies.
