Persistant pre-eclampsia post partum with elevated liver enzymes and hemolytic uremic syndrome

The spectrum of complications with pre-eclampsia, which may include AFLP (a cute fatty liver of pregnancy) as well as the HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, el evated liver enzymes, and low platelets), is resolved by early delivery. Ho wever, the ravages of HUS/TTP (hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombo cytopenic purpura) require therapy usually by plasma exchange. Overlap betw een these two groups of syndromes has occurred on rare occasions and usuall y requires the therapy of the predominant or more dangerous or threatening form. Such overlap can be appreciated and then treated successfully without residual morbidity. The index case is presented and an extensive review of the two groups of syndromes is provided. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.