A Case Report of a Patient with Postpartum HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a multisystemic disorder characterized by elevated liver enzymes, hemolysis and low platelet count. If left untreated, it is associated with high risk of maternal and fetal mortality. It usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy but may sometimes occur after pregnancy. Herein, we report a patient with postpartum HELLP syndrome.

A 32-year-old woman (G2Ab1) with gestational age of 36 weeks and a history of hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, favism, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension was admitted to hospital due to labor pain. The patient underwent cesarean section and showed triad of postpartum HELLP syndrome. Fortunately, with timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention, the patient was discharged with good general condition after four days of hospitalization in intensive care unit.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a life-threatening condition for mothers. HELLP syndrome is often related to preeclampsia but can also occur as a stand-alone disorder. Absence of symptoms should not rule out this syndrome, and it is recommended to consider risk of postpartum HELLP syndrome during follow ups.