Pre-eclampsia, HEELP syndrome, abruptio placentae, postpartum haemorrhage, and postpartum rupture of subcapsular liver haematoma Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Hepatic rupture during pregnancy is a rare but lethal condition requiring rapid recognition and multidisciplinary management. The condition is most often associated with preeclampsia/eclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) (1). Because of the difficulty of diagnosis, the condition is often associated with increased morbidity and mortality (2).

Different modalities of treatments have been suggested. Treatment should be individualized depending on extend of rupture and available expertise.

We describe a case of spontaneous postpartum hepatic rupture in a 40 -year’s grandmultiparous with the diagnosis of Pre-eclampsia, abruptio placentae and postpartum haemorrhage. Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are discussed and related literature reviewed. .

Keywords: Pre-eclampsia, subcapsular liver rupture, HELLP syndrome