The Unusual Presentation of HELLP Syndrome

Abstract

HELLP syndrome is a serious pregnancy-related syndrome characterised by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count occurring in 0.5-0.9% of all pregnancies and in 10-20% of cases with severe preeclampsia. Typical presenting symptoms are right upper quadrant or epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting. Seventy percent of the cases develop antepartum, majority between the 27th and 37th gestational weeks. Thirty percent of the cases are diagnosed postpartum, often within 48 h post-delivery. The occurrence of preeclampsia post-delivery is well established. However, in most reported cases, HELLP syndrome persisted since late pregnancy. We report a case of HELLP syndrome in combination with preeclampsia that developed 2 days post-delivery in an uncomplicated pregnancy. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2019;8(4):118-120 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo605