Acute liver failure and HELLP syndrome: A clinical case and literature review

Abstract

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.