Abstract

Introduction: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is a disease of pregnancy that occurs very rarely before 20 weeks of gestation. We report a case of HELLP syndrome developing at 14 weeks and 2 days of gestation.

Case Presentation: A 33-year-old Asian primipara at 14 weeks and 2 days of gestation visited the emergency room with a fever and headache. Initial blood pressure was 140/70 mm Hg, temperature 38.5°C, heart rate 130 beats/min with tachycardia. Her prenatal examination has been unremarkable, and fetal ultrasonography was within normal range. The laboratory results showed low platelet count with elevated liver enzymes, D-dimer, and fibrinogen but no sign of jaundice. Her WBC differential suggested a bacterial infection. Thus, we diagnosed early HELLP syndrome and immediately started conservative treatments. One day after admission, symptoms and laboratory results showed aggravation of the disease. We performed termination, followed by dilation and curettage for retained placenta. Her general condition improved rapidly after the operation. Placental biopsy showed both acute and chronic inflammation. She also had anticardiolipin antibody IgM, and after discharge, she was referred to a rheumatology specialist to address the antiphospholipid syndrome issue.

Discussion: Although the triggers of HELLP syndrome are unclear, a recent inflammatory hypothesis suggests that placenta-derived inflammatory cytokines are involved. In our case, the anti-cardiolipin antibody may have triggered microangiopathy of the placenta. Our analysis of published HELLP cases revealed that, apart from the three diagnostic criteria, the most common abnormal laboratory finding was antiphospholipid antibodies. Therefore, despite its rarity, if a sign of inflammation is present in a patient, it is important to consider HELLP syndrome regardless of gestational age.

Graphical Abstract