Role of Plasmapheresis in Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome.

ABSTRACT

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a rare abnormality comprising a series of symptoms that make up a syndrome. It usually happens during pregnancy or right after delivery. We describe a case of a 31-year-old female G4P2A2 (Gravida 4 Para 2 Abortions 2) who presented to the hospital for normal vaginal delivery but immediately postpartum developed HELLP syndrome. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy was a differential that the patient also met the criteria for. Her condition improved after starting her on plasmapheresis without considering hepatic transplantation. We emphasize distinguishing the overlap of symptoms between HELLP syndrome vs. acute fatty liver of pregnancy and the outcomes of plasmapheresis in managing HELLP syndrome without needing hepatic transplantation.