[HELLP syndrome: a life-threatening form of pre-eclampsia]

A rather unusual but dramatic form of EPH gestosis or pregnancy-induced hypertension is presented via the case of a 30-year old second gravida in the 30th week of pregnancy. This is a case of pre-eclampsia combined with haemolysis, elevated liver function tests and low platelet counts. Diagnostic features, pattern and pathophysiology are discussed with regard to international literature.