[The "HELLP syndrome" without fragmentocytes: do drug-induced antibodies play a role?]

This is a case report on a nulliparous women, who developed the HELLP syndrome following intravenous tocolysis. Contrary to our expectations, neither schistocytes nor signs of intravasal coagulation were apparent; however, we found Fenoterol-associated anti-erythrocyte antibodies. However, the low titre of these antibodies does not explain the massive haemolysis. It is suggested, that these antibodies represent a causal factor in developing the HELLP syndrome.