Autopsy on a stillborn fetus reveals cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites as well as fulminant intrauterine congestive heart failure. Considering these findings, what is the most likely cause of death?

Similar to the anemias of adulthood, ineffective erythropoiesis or premature destruction of erythrocytes causes the anemias of childhood. The most common cause of insufficient erythropoiesis is iron deficiency. The other options may be causes but are not common ones.

Related Test: Pathophysiology Practice Test: Alterations of Hematologic Function