Successful management of a pregnant woman with HELLP syndrome, pulmonary edema, postpartum hemorrhage and acute renal failure, using early hemodialysis, intravenous immunoglobulin and noninvasive monitoring: a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) with medical complications is a major cause of maternal mortality in pregnancy. A vicious cycle may occur without expeditious delivery and proper management. CASE: A woman with severe HELLP syndrome, hemolytic renal failure, pulmonary edema and postpartum hemorrhage was successfully managed using early hemodialysis, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary edema is easily managed by early hemodialysis. IVIG may be a viable treatment for thrombocytopenia and hemolysis but can induce reversible interstitial nephritis and membranous glomerulonephritis.