Which hemoglobinopathy is known to cause fetal hydrops?

Alpha thalassemia major is known to cause fetal hydrops due to its severe impact on fetal development. In alpha thalassemia, there is a deficiency in the production of alpha globin chains, which can lead to a serious condition called Hydrops Fetalis, particularly when the fetus inherits a severe form of the disease from both parents. This condition results in significant anemia, heart failure, and various complications leading to the accumulation of fluid in the fetal compartments, thus causing hydrops.

Alpha thalassemia major results from the deletion of all four alpha globin genes, causing severe hemolytic anemia in utero and triggering the body's compensatory mechanisms, which contribute to the pathophysiology of hydrops. The severity of this manifestation is due to the resultant erythroblastosis and other complications that can severely hinder the fetus's health. Therefore, alpha thalassemia major is the hemoglobinopathy associated with fetal hydrops in a significant clinical context.