Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome in a postpartum patient.
Ashton HierholzerElleana MajdinasabMadeline YoungRobert P KauffmanPublished in: BMJ case reports (2023)
A postpartum patient presented 1 week following uncomplicated pregnancy and elective repeat caesarean section with acute hypertension, severe anaemia and acute kidney injury. Her workup demonstrated microangiopathic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and liver enzyme elevations. Differential diagnoses included postpartum haemolysis-elevated liver enzyme-low platelet (HELLP) syndrome, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). She was treated initially with systemic corticosteroids, haemodialysis and plasmapheresis for presumed TTP while awaiting the results of ADAMSTS13 assay performed at an outside laboratory. When reported back as normal, the diagnosis of atypical HUS was established. Eculizumab was administered with rapid improvement of her condition.
Keyphrases
- case report
- acute kidney injury
- blood pressure
- cardiac surgery
- liver failure
- patients undergoing
- drug induced
- preterm birth
- peritoneal dialysis
- end stage renal disease
- chronic kidney disease
- pregnant women
- intensive care unit
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
- pregnancy outcomes
- study protocol
- mechanical ventilation