HELLP Syndrome: Early Diagnosis Alleviates Complications in Primigravida

Abstract

HELLP syndrome is a multisystem disorder, characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and liver dysfunction considered as a consequence of microvascular endothelial activation and cell injury. The chief presenting features include malaise, nausea, vomiting, epigastric and right upper abdomen pain and edema etc. It is frequently associated with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The aim of reporting this case is to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and rapid treatment in these patients which in turn save lives and alleviate fatal complications. Since HELLP syndrome is associated with 0.5-0.9% of all pregnancies, early diagnosis and treatment warrants high index of suspicion. We herein report a case of HELLP syndrome in 23-years-old primigravida with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), who was managed successfully with caesarean section.