Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome in a 26-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: The microangiopathic hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal complication of pregnancy. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we describe only the second reported case of this syndrome in a woman with cystic fibrosis. Case presentation: This report describes the case of a 26-year-old woman of Caucasian ethnicity with mild cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis who ultimately manifested the triad of microangiopathic hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count in the third trimester of pregnancy. Her baby was delivered successfully after a semi-elective caesarean section. Conclusions: Pregnancies in patients with cystic fibrosis are associated with an increased rate of complications. This case is of importance as it describes only for the second time the successful delivery of a baby in a women with cystic fibrosis, in a pregnancy also threatened by the microangiopathic hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet syndrome. This case will be of special interest to obstetricians, pediatricians, and medical, nursing and allied health staff involved in the delivery of cystic fibrosis care. © 2012 Geake et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.