Hematoma After Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in a Patient With HELLP Syndrome: A Case Report.

We herein present a case of intramuscular hematoma that developed after transversus abdominis plane block in a patient undergoing cesarean delivery. The patient had HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) preoperatively. Ultrasonography-guided transversus abdominis plane block was performed at the end of surgery. Postoperatively, the platelet count and antithrombin III level decreased, and computed tomography revealed intramuscular hematomas that possibly were related to vascular injury and potential disseminated intravascular coagulation. We should be mindful of the possibility of intramuscular hematoma formation in patients with HELLP syndrome, even when using ultrasound guidance.

A HELLP syndrome complicates a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in a perimenopausal woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome is a combination of symptoms described as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets, that complicates 0.01-0.6 % of pregnancies. HELLP syndrome has been scarcely reported associated with partial moles, another rare complication of pregnancy. This manuscript describes the only reported case of HELLP syndrome associated with a complete invasive hydatiform mole. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a perimenopausal patient in prolonged remission from an uncommon high-risk invasive complete mole. The diagnosis was set in a context of early onset preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. The development of life-threatening complications required primary hysterectomy. Postoperative hCG quickly returned to normal with EMA/CO multi-agent chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our patient is in prolonged remission from a complete mole complicated with EOP and HELLP syndrome. This exceptional case of complicated gestational trophoblastic neoplasia reflects a very rare condition in which several risk factors for placental ischemia are associated. Emergency hysterectomy should be considered as salvage initial treatment in such life-threatening situations.

[A case of HELLP syndrome resulting in eclampsia with non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage].

It is known that hemorrhagic stroke at the perinatal period are caused by specifics conditions like eclampsia as well as by the existing abnormal vessels. We treated a case of HELLP syndrome resulting in eclampsia with non-aneurysmal, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 34-year-old female, who had been pointed out to have a high level of urinal protein at the 37th week, was seen in the emergency department because of severe headache, vomiting and respiratory discomfort. Her systolic blood pressure was over 190mmHg, and caesarean section was selected. On the way to the operating room, she had a generalized convulsion with loss of consciousness. The delivery was carried out. The CT immediately after the caesarean section revealed faint and localized subarachnoid hemorrhage in the bilateral convexity areas. Additionally, the FLAIR image of MRI demonstrated increased intensity in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, basal ganglion and subcortical area, suggesting vasogenic edema. The patient had a good clinical course and the abnormal signal of MRI also recovered by treatment with oral iron and zinc. Here, we report a speculation for the mechanism of this case and precautions against stroke in the perinatal period.

Apoptosis, proliferation and Fas ligand expression in placental trophoblast from pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome or pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate apoptosis, proliferation and Fas ligand expression of placental trophoblast in the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and in pre-eclampsia (PE), and to compare this with normal pregnancies. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital in Croatia. SAMPLE: Placentae from women with HELLP syndrome (n=10), PE (n=10) and normal pregnancies (n=10). METHODS: The HELLP syndrome was diagnosed with platelets <100×10(9) /L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) >70 U/L and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) > 600 U/L. Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed at blood pressure >140/90 mmHg, with proteinuria >300 mg/L/24 hours. For detection of apoptosis and proliferation in villous trophoblast, antibodies M30 and Ki-67 were used. Expression of Fas ligand was assessed using immunohistochemistry and the semiquantitative HSCORE method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Apoptosis, proliferation and Fas ligand expression in villous trophoblast. RESULTS: Apoptosis, proliferation and Fas ligand expression were higher in villous trophoblast in HELLP syndrome than in the PE group (p=0.015, p=0.018 and p=0.002, respectively) and the control group (p=0.000, p=0.012 and p=0.049, respectively). Placentae from the PE group had higher levels of apoptosis (p=0.019), lower Fas ligand expression (p=0.029) and no difference in proliferation (p=0.887) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increase in apoptosis, proliferation and Fas ligand expression in placentae from women with HELLP syndrome compared with placentae from PE and normal pregnancies. Our findings indicate the possibility of differential mechanisms behind HELLP syndrome and PE.

Parathyroid adenoma with hypertensive crisis and intracerebral hemorrhage mimicking hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroidism is seldom encountered during pregnancy. Moreover, when the disease does occur, it is typically masked until late pregnancy or after delivery. CASE: A previously healthy multiparous woman presented with sudden-onset severe preeclampsia with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome at 37 weeks of gestation. Acute intracerebral hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulapathy developed 24 hours after cesarean delivery and persisted after craniotomy. Hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism were noted, and imaging studies revealed parathyroid tumor. The patient recovered from severe preeclampsia after resection of a hemorrhagic parathyroid adenoma and was fully rehabilitated after 3 months. CONCLUSION: This patient exhibited a concealed hyperparathyroidism with acute hypertensive crisis, probably attributable to hemorrhagic parathyroid adenoma. The presentation mimics acute late-onset preeclampsia and requires vigilant diagnosis followed by surgery.

Ruptura de hematoma subcapsular hepático como complicação da síndrome HELLP - revisão de literatura / Ruptured subcapsular hepatic haematoma as a HELLP syndrome complication - literature review

A síndrome HELLP caracteriza-se pela associação de plaquetopenia, aumento das enzimas hepáticas e presença de hemólise em paciente gestante. O acrônimo representa as iniciais das alterações laboratoriais (hemolysis; elevated liver enzimes; low platelets). Em menos de 2% das gestações complicadas por síndrome HELLP ocorre sangramento espontâneo severo do fígado (formação de hematoma subcapsular), acompanhado de necrose hemorrágica das células hepáticas e ruptura da cápsula de Glisson. Essas intercorrências têm evolução frequentemente fulminante, sendo que elevam a mortalidade materna para mais de 50%. Este artigo apresentou uma revisão de literatura sobre hematoma subcapsular hepático como complicação da síndrome HELLP, uma entidade clínica que, apesar de rara, exige suspeição clínica para diagnóstico rápido e manejo oportuno

HELLP syndrome is characterized by the association of thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes and presence of hemolysis in a pregnant woman. The acronym stands for the initials of the laboratory abnormalities (hemolysis; elevated liver enzymes; low platelets). In less than 2% of pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome occurs spontaneous bleeding severe liver disease (formation of sub-capsular hematoma), accompanied by hemorrhagic necrosis of liver cells and rupture of the capsule of Glisson. These outcomes are often fulminant evolution, and maternal mortality amounted to more than 50%. This article presented a literature review on hepatic subcapsular haematoma as a complication of HELLP syndrome, a clinical entity, although rare requires clinical suspicion for a diagnosis of rapid and appropriate management

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome: when is surgical help needed?

BACKGROUND: Life-threatening hemorrhage is a rare event in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. Epidemiologic data are lacking to predict patients at risk for hemorrhage requiring surgical consultation. We sought to identify early clinical predictors of hemorrhagic complications in patients at risk for HELLP syndrome. METHODS: Patients at risk for HELLP syndrome from 1997 to 2007 were identified retrospectively. Variables evaluated in at-risk women were maternal age, gestational history, hepatic transaminase levels, and platelet count. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of poor maternal outcomes, which were defined as hemorrhage requiring transfusion of blood products, need for surgical intervention, hepatic rupture, and death. RESULTS: A total of 109 at-risk women were identified. Adverse outcomes included transfusions (18%), hemorrhage interventions (8%), damage control laparotomy (2.8%), and hepatic rupture (2.8%). Maternal and perinatal mortality were .9% and 3.7%, respectively. Median transfusion requirements for women with hepatic rupture were 56 U of packed red blood cells, 26 U of fresh-frozen plasma, 18 U of platelets, and 6 U of cryoprecipitate. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed previous gestations (P = .002), platelet count (P = .01), and aspartate aminotransferase level increase (P = .04) were independent predictors of life-threatening hemorrhage. Previous gestations increased the risk of adverse outcome 3-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Identifiable risk factors predictive of major hemorrhage are thrombocytopenia (<100,000 cells/microL), increase of aspartate aminotransferase level greater than 70 IU/L, and previous gestations.

Hyperreactio luteinalis could be a risk factor for development of HELLP syndrome: case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report a unique case of hyperreactio luteinalis in pregnancy associated with ovarian torsion and subsequent development of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENT(S): A 34-year-old primigravida woman with ovarian torsion in 13 weeks of pregnancy and subsequent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and HELLP syndrome. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy due to the ovarian torsion and cesarean section (CS) due to the development of HELLP syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): HELLP syndrome. RESULT(S): In the first trimester the patient had symptoms of acute abdomen due to the ovarian torsion. Both ovaries were enlarged and multicystic. Hormonal studies confirmed an abnormally elevated level of hCG (192.000 IU/L), mild hyperthireosis, and hyperandrogenemia. Laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. At 30 weeks of pregnancy, IUGR was confirmed sonographically and clinically, and at 33 weeks severe preeclampsia developed. One week later, HELLP syndrome occurred. Emergency CS was preformed, and she delivered a female newborn weighing 1,640 g. Seven days after delivery, blood pressure and hormonal status returned to normal. CONCLUSION(S): Hyperreactio luteinalis due to the abnormally high level of hCG in the first trimester could be a consequence of inappropriate trophoblast invasion and an early sign of subsequently developing preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome.

Ressonância magnética hepática em puérperas estáveis com síndrome HELLP / Magnetic resonance imaging of the liver in postpartum stable women with HELLP syndrome

OBJETIVOS: Descrever os achados hepáticos na ressonância magnética em puérperas estáveis com síndrome HELLP. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, do tipo série de casos, envolvendo 40 puérperas internadas na UTI obstétrica do Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), com diagnóstico de síndrome HELLP completa (presentes todas as alterações laboratoriais) e incompleta (uma ou mais alterações laboratoriais, porém sem todos os critérios diagnósticos) no período de agosto de 2005 a julho de 2006. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 26,8 ± 6,4 anos, com idade gestacional média no parto de 34 semanas. A ressonância magnética foi realizada entre oito e 96 horas depois do diagnóstico de síndrome HELLP (média de 56 + 31horas). O achado mais freqüente foi ascite em 20 por cento (n = 8), seguindo-se derrame pleural (17,5 por cento) e esteatose hepática (7,5 por cento). A intensidade de sinal periportal foi normal em todos os casos e não se observaram casos de isquemia/infarto hepático ou de hematoma parenquimatoso ou subcapsular. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados da ressonância magnética pós-parto em puérperas estáveis com síndrome HELLP foram inespecíficos e, na presente série, não foram encontradas lesões importantes como hematoma parenquimatoso ou subcapsular, representando risco de vida para a paciente. Os resultados encontrados não corroboram a utilização desse exame de rotina para o seguimento de pacientes com síndrome HELLP.

OBJECTIVES: To describe magnetic resonance (MR) findings in the liver of stable patients with HELLP syndrome in the puerpuerium. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out from August 2005 to July 2006, involving a series of 40 postpartum patients admitted to an obstetric intensive therapy unit in IMIP (Instituto Materno Infantil Prof. Fernando Figueira) with diagnosis of HELLP syndrome (complete and partial). Complete HELLP syndrome was defined when all laboratory parameters were present and incomplete when one or more but not all laboratory findings were present. All patients had stable clinical conditions and were evaluated with magnetic resonance of the liver and the main findings were recorded. RESULTS: Average maternal age was 26.8 ± 6.4 years and gestational age at delivery was 34 ± 26.8 weeks. The MR imaging was performed between eight and 96 hours after diagnosis of HELLP syndrome (56 ± 31 h). The most frequent findings were ascitis in 20 percent (n = 8), pleural effusion in 17.5 percent and hepatic steatosis in 7.5 percent. The periportal intensity signal was normal in all cases. Cases of liver infarction and sub-capsular or parenchymatous hematoma were not observed. CONCLUSION: Findings of magnetic resonance imaging of the liver in stable HELLP syndrome postpartum patients were few and unspecific. Severe liver injuries such as parenchymatous or sub-capsular hematoma, entailing life risk were not found. Results do not corroborate the use of magnetic resonance as routine examination for stable patients with HELLP syndrome.

Liver transplantation for HELLP syndrome.

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a rare complication of pregnancy that is associated with preeclampsia and may result in rupture of the liver. Although there have been case reports of liver transplantation for HELLP syndrome, the outcomes of transplantation for this rare indication have not been reported. Furthermore, the optimal management of complicated HELLP syndrome and indications for liver transplantation are unclear. Our objective was to review the national experience with liver transplantation for HELLP syndrome and to develop a comprehensive algorithm for the management of liver complications of HELLP syndrome, including indications for transplantation. A recent case from our institution is reported and the literature is reviewed. The results of liver transplantation for HELLP syndrome were analyzed from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Between October 1987 and November 2003 there have been 8 deceased donor liver transplants performed for complications related to HELLP syndrome. As of the most recent follow-up, 6 of the 8 patients are alive, with both deaths occurring within 1 month of transplantation, and 2 patients have required retransplantation. This review supports that good results can be obtained with liver transplantation for patients with complicated HELLP syndrome that have either ongoing, uncontrolled hemorrhage or liver necrosis and failure. Patients with complicated HELLP syndrome are best managed at a center with expertise in liver transplantation.

Cirugía de control de daños: Un concepto aplicable en ginecología y obstetricia / Surgery of damage control: a concept in gynecology and obstetrics

Objetivo: Revisar los casos de cirugía de control de daños en procedimientos ginecoobstétricos en el Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia entre 1997 a 2002.Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos de 28 pacientes ginecoobtétricas. El análisis de las variables cuantitativas se realizó mediante métodos no paramétricos y las variables categóricas con distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: El rango de edad fue entre 13 y 52 años; 5 pacientes eran primigestantes, 18 tenían al menos una cesárea previa. Las indicaciones iniciales para cirugía fueron abruptio placentae, atonia uterina, placenta previa y síndrome Hellp. En todos los casos se realizó cirugía de empaquetamiento y cierre no convencional; el control de daños se identificó en la cirugía inicial en 16 pacientes; 10 de las que tuvieron más de 12 puntos de APACHE fallecieron con diagnóstico de disfunción orgánica múltiple. Comentarios: El control de daños permitió el control de la hemorragia en todos los casos. El retraso en la toma de la decisión, el mayor deterioro fisiológico y el desarrollo de la disfunción orgánica múltiple correlacionaron con mayor probabilidad de morir

Manejo anestesico del sindrome Hellp / Anesthesic management of Hellp syndrome

Síndrome HELLP es una forma grave de hipertensión inducida por el embarazo que afecta gravemente a la madre y al feto. Se caracteriza por hemólisis, elevación de enzimas hepáticas y trombopenía. El manejo anestésico de este síndrome es complejo y debe basarse en las características de la enfermedad preeclámptica la situación materna y fetal así como la urgencia del proceso

Surgical treatment of HELLP syndrome-associated liver rupture -- an update.

In some 2% of the cases of the HELLP syndrome, severe spontaneous bleeding into the liver accompanied by haemorrhagic liver cell necrosis and rupture of the organ occurs and represents one of the main cause of death. On the basis of our own experience with four cases, a review of the literature is presented with particular focus on a therapeutic concept based on appropriate surgery. Within a MEDLINE search covering the period 1990-1999, the case reports of this kind of liver complication in the literature were analysed in terms of clinical course and outcome.In addition to our own four patients, a total of 49 cases with rupture of the liver were found in the literature. Despite surgical interventions, HELLP syndrome-associated liver rupture carried a mortality of 39%. Most patients died of haemorrhagic shock and organ failure. In order to improve survival, patients with ruptured liver or hepatic failure should be transferred to a centre with the necessary experience in liver surgery including liver transplantation. An interdisciplinary approach is required, including the use of temporary packing of the liver to control the bleeding, and during the further course of the condition, possibly even liver transplantation, as in one of our own cases.

[Anuria after delivery]. / Anurie nach der Geburt.

During the last decade certain peripartal complications decreased dramatically in industrialized countries. Here, a case of a 27 years old Caucasian primagravida will be presented. In the presence of symptoms of a severe preeclamptic condition with signs of an impending HELP syndrome the patient underwent Caesarean section. Within hours following surgery she developed complete anuria. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and histological evaluation of a renal biopsy led to the diagnosis of an acute, bilateral renal cortical necrosis. Besides the preeclamptic condition no further underlying disease was present, in particular no hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Following progress made in modern perinatal management renal cortical necrosis almost disappeared. Yet, in the presence of this disease a significant maternal morbidity and mortality still remains.

[Liver complications in HELLP syndrome]. / Leberkomplikationen des HELLP-Syndroms.

In a 5 years period 5 female patients suffering from a severe HELLP syndrome were treated. The problems concerning diagnostic and treatment are discussed. 3 patients had to be operated on in an emergency state. The operations were performed because of acute and severe abdominal bleeding. Two of the patients needed liver transplantation as an emergency procedure, one of them died after hepatectomy on the list. Another one died 7 weeks after successful transplantation in a state of prolonged sepsis. The two conservatively treated and the one transplanted patient are still alive and well.