HELLP Syndrome or Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: A Differential Diagnostic Challenge: Common Features and Differences.

HELLP Syndrome or Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: A Differential Diagnostic Challenge: Common Features and Differences. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2020 May;80(5):499-507 Authors: Rath W, Tsikouras P, Stelzl P Abstract HELLP syndrome and the less common acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFL) are unpredictable, life-threatening complications of pregnancy. The similarities in their clinical and laboratory presentations are often challenging for the obstetrician when making a differential diagnosis. Both diseases are characterised by microvesicular steatosis of varying degrees of severity. A specific risk profile does not exist for either of the entities. Genetic defects in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and multiple pregnancy are considered to be common predisposing factors. The diagnosis of AFL is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. The Swansea criteria have been proposed as a diagnostic tool for orientation. HELLP syndrome is a laboratory diagnosis based on the triad of haemolysis, elevated aminotransferase levels and a platelet count < 100 G/l. Generalised malaise, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain are common symptoms of both diseases, making early diagnosis difficult. Clinical differences include a lack of polydipsia/polyuria in HELLP syndrome, while jaundice is more common and more pronounced in AFL, there is a lower incidence of hypertension and proteinuria, and patients with AFL may dev...
Source: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde - Category: OBGYN Tags: Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd Source Type: research