A complicated case of antepartum eclamptic fit with HELLP syndrome, acute renal failure and multiple intracranial hemorrhages: A mortality report

Abstract

HELLP is an acronym for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets count, affecting 0.2–12% of all pregnancies or 4–12% of those with preeclampsia. The maternal mortality reported from the literature is up 4% due to disseminated intravascular coagulation, placental abruption, acute renal failure, eclampsia, and cerebral hemorrhage. A 20 year old, G2P1, at 36 weeks of gestation, was referred to our hospital because of postictal coma state with bilateral mydriasis and epistaxis due to repeated antepartum eclamptic fits. Elevated blood pressure level 170/110 mmHg was accompanied with massive proteinuria. Cesarean section was performed and female newborn were delivered. Laboratory findings were characteristic of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and renal failure. The patient developed an intraventricular hematoma and an intracerebral hemorrhage with subarachnoid one, which were not suitable to neurosurgical treatment. The patient died from refractory hemolytic anemia, spontaneous bleeding of multiple organs, renal failure and intracranial hemorrhage. Preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy might overlap and be associated with potentially fatal complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, as in the present case. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial to ensure appropriate management and treatment success.