HELLP syndrome with haemaglobin vasospasm

The syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP syndrome) is a life threatening, severe complication of pre-eclampsia with typical laboratory findings. An unusual case of a 36-year-old woman with H ELLP syndrome and the initial complication of intracerebral haemorrhage is presented. The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome was confirmed by elevated liver enzymes, low platelets, increased total bilirubin and increased lactate deh ydrogenase. The intracranial haematoma was removed with good neurological r ecovery ensuing. However, this case was complicated by cerebral vasospasm o n the eleventh day confirmed by cerebral angiography and computer tomograph ic findings. The patient died from brain swelling. Possible vasospasm shoul d be considered during the treatment of patients with HELLP syndrome. (C) 2 000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.