Spontaneous Hepatic Rupture During Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Hepatic rupture is a rare and devastating complication in pregnancy, mainly associated with pre-eclampsia and HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count). It has an incidence of 1 case in 45,000225,000 births. Nearly 200 cases have been reported in the international literature. We report a case of a hepatic rupture with severe haemorrhage caused by HELLP in a third trimester pregnancy. The case was managed successfully with no pathological complications for either the mother or the infant. The physician should be aware of this condition when dealing with intra-abdominal haemorrhage during pregnancy.

Key Words:

• Hepatic rupture
• HELLP
• pregnancy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Peitsidis

Dr. P. Peitsidis, M.D. Nikaias 59 str. Nea Smyrni P.C 17122 Athens Greece Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]