title: Thrombelastography reveals two causes of haemorrhage in HELLP syndrome.
abstract: We describe the use of thrombelastography in HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets). It differentiated between two possible causes of significant haemorrhage and revealed an accompanying underlying fibrinolysis. This allowed specific therapy to be directed at both abnormalities and, we believe, helped prevent this patient from undergoing radical surgery to curb blood loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Free Hospital, London.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Whitta
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Mallett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D007611:Aprotinin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005342:Fibrinolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011479:Protamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013916:Thrombelastography
chemical_list: D011479:Protamines; D007611:Aprotinin