title: HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) presenting as generalized malaise.
abstract: The syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) was first described by Weinstein in 1982 and is generally thought to represent a variant of the preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome. As with other severe manifestations of preeclampsia-eclampsia, epigastric pain and liver tenderness are commonly recognized presenting symptoms of this syndrome, but an underappreciated presenting symptom is generalized malaise or symptoms similar to a flulike syndrome. Two case examples, a review of one private hospital's recent cases, and data contained in the literature are presented to stress the importance of malaise as a presenting complaint during late pregnancy, with recommendations for screening these patients.
authors.affiliation: Providence Hospital, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Tomsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies