Scrub typhus masquerading as HELLP syndrome and puerperal sepsis in an asymptomatic malaria patient

Abstract EN

Scrub typhus and malaria can involve multiple organ systems and are notoriously known for varied presentations.

However, clinical malaria or scrub typhus is unusual without fever.

On the other hand, altered sensorium with or without fever, dehydration, hemorrhage and hemolysis may lead to low blood pressure.

Presence of toxic granules and elevated band forms in such patients can even mimic sepsis.

When such a patient is in the peripartum period, it creates a strong clinical dilemma for the physician especially in unbooked obstetric cases.

We present such a case where a 26-year-old unbooked female presented on second postpartum day with severe anemia, altered sensorium, difficulty in breathing along with jaundice and gum bleeding without history of fever.

Rapid diagnostic test for malaria was negative and no eschar was seen.

These parameters suggested a diagnosis of HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet) syndrome with or without puerperal sepsis.

Subsequently she was diagnosed as having asymptomatic malaria and scrub typhus and responded to the treatment of it.

The biochemical changes suggestive of HELLP syndrome also subsided.

We present this case to emphasize the fact that mere absence of fever and eschar does not rule out scrub typhus.

It should also be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with symptoms and signs suggesting HELLP syndrome.

Asymptomatic malaria can complicate case scenario towards puerperal sepsis by giving false toxic granules and band form in such situations.