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Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
Acute liver failure and HELLP syndrome: A clinical case and literature review
Alessandra Mazzola1, Bianca Magro2, Fabiano Perdigao3
1APHP, Unité Médicale de Transplantation Hépatique Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Boulevard de l'Hôpital 47-83, 75013 Paris, France.
Background:
HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy-related liver disease associated with increased maternal and foetal mortality. In rare cases, it can lead to the development of a subcapsular hepatic haematoma as well as its rupture. This rupture is life-threatening if not urgently treated.
Method:
We describe a clinical case of HELLP syndrome involving a ruptured subcapsular liver haematoma and contextualise this with a literature overview.
Clinical Case:
A 39-year-old woman of 40 weeks' gestation presented to her local Emergency Department with symptoms and serology classically associated with HELLP syndrome. However, she clinically deteriorated and developed a ruptured subcapsular haematoma. She underwent an emergency Caesarean section at her initial hospital. Upon clinical stabilisation, she was transferred to our transplant unit for an urgent liver transplant.
Conclusion:
LT is a life-saving procedure for patients with acute liver failure secondary to HELLP syndrome. These patients should be immediately referred to a high-volume transplant centre.
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