A case of HELLP syndrome: an immuno-"logical" approach

We report on a 27-year-old woman who developed severe arterial hypertension on a background of general malaise within 48 hours after vaginal delivery, suggesting severe acute-onset pre-eclampsia. Concomitant biochemical observations of haemolysis, elevated liver tests and low platelets lead to the diagnosis of (post-partum) HELLP syndrome. Our patient was transferred immediately to the intensive care unit (ICU), where she underwent plasmapheresis in combination with intravenous glucocorticoids, nicardipine and labetalol. Our patient recovered fully after three plasmapheresis sessions. Genetic testing of mutations responsible for complement deficits was negative.