Overlapping Presentations of HELLP Syndrome and COVID-19: A Case Report
Keywords
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, preeclampsia, HELLP, gestational hypertensionAbstract
Introduction: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to challenges in diagnosing HELLP syndrome due to overlapping clinical and laboratory presentations. We report a case of HELLP syndrome complicated by COVID-19 infection.
Case Description: An otherwise healthy pregnant 31-year-old female presented with fever, myalgia, and headache. She was found to be COVID-positive with laboratory signs of HELLP syndrome. Symptoms and laboratory findings trended toward normal post-partum confirming the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.
Discussion: A prompt diagnosis of HELLP syndrome is essential to avoid maternal and fetal complications. Clinicians should be aware of the similarities in presentation between HELLP syndrome and COVID-19 for timely diagnosis and treatment.