HELLP needs aggressive help : a case report and review of the literature

Abstract EN

HELLP (Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome is a multi-system pregnancy associated disorder, commonly seen in patients with pre-eclampsia but can occur alone.

It is significantly associated with maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality.

A triad of hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia after 24 weeks of gestation is diagnostic of this syndrome.

HELLP syndrome is classified depending on simple parameters but it dictates severity of the disease.

Frequently encountered complications with HELLP syndrome are hemorrhagic stroke, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary edema, acute renal failure and hepatic rapture.

The aggressive supportive care of failing organs with high dose of steroids will decrease the duration of HELLP syndrome, decreases intensive care and hospital stay of these patients as well as reduction in fetal complications.

HELLP syndrome is associated with significant increase in morbidity and mortality of pregnant patients ; hence it is of vital importance that not only obstetrician, but acute care physicians and intensivist should be aware of this clinical entity.

We report a case of Classl, nor-motensive postpartum HELLP syndrome complicated by pulmonary edema and acute renal failure, successfully managed in our intensive care unit.