Pulmonary embolism in the setting of HELLP syndrome

M Prin; A Gaffney; S W Mankowitz

doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2015.01.006

Pulmonary embolism in the setting of HELLP syndrome

Int J Obstet Anesth. 2015 May;24(2):184-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2015.01.006. Epub 2015 Jan 24.

Authors

M Prin¹, A Gaffney², S W Mankowitz²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address: mep9042@nyp.org.
² Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.

PMID: 25794414
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2015.01.006

Abstract

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets) complicates 0.5-0.9% of pregnancies and is frequently associated with multiorgan dysfunction. Treatment relies on prompt diagnosis, delivery and supportive care. The clinical presentation may make the concurrent diagnosis and management of other disease entities challenging. This case report describes a patient with postpartum HELLP syndrome complicated by severe multiorgan dysfunction and pulmonary embolism.

Keywords: Acute fatty liver of pregnancy; Amniotic fluid embolism; Critical care; HELLP syndrome; Multiple organ failure; Pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use
Adult
Blood Transfusion
Crystalloid Solutions
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
HELLP Syndrome / diagnosis*
HELLP Syndrome / therapy
Humans
Isotonic Solutions / therapeutic use
Multiple Organ Failure / complications
Multiple Organ Failure / therapy
Phenylephrine / therapeutic use
Pregnancy
Pulmonary Embolism / complications*
Pulmonary Embolism / therapy

Substances

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists
Crystalloid Solutions
Isotonic Solutions
Phenylephrine