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Emergency Department, Adelaide and Meath incorporating the National Childrens Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Summary
A 32-year-old female para 4 gravi 3, who was 21 weeks pregnant, presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 2-day history of
abdominal pain, headache, blurred vision and vomiting. On arrival, she was agitated and confused with a blood pressure 162/106 mm Hg,
pulse rate 107, respiratory rate 18, temperature 37 degrees Celsius, point of care blood glucose 6.2 and her Glasgow coma scale was
13/15 M6V4E3. Paramedics witnessed seizure-like activity lasting <1 min during transport. A diagnosis of eclampsia complicated by the
HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets count) was made. She was commenced on magnesium and labetalol
intravenously for blood pressure control. Initial blood test results were consistent with the HELLP syndrome. Recognition of the HELLP
syndrome with prompt management of blood pressure and clotting abnormalities is essential in the ED setting. An aggressive multidisciplinary
approach is a key to optimise the prognosis for mother and fetus.
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Please cite this article as follows (you will need to access the article online to obtain the date of publication).
Bennett M. Do not forget about HELLP!. BMJ Case Reports 2011;10.1136/bcr.08.2011.4693, date of publication
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