Postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome following abruptio placenta: report of a case.
Postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is an unusual complication that presents with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure after delivery. In this report, we describe a 32-year-old patient (gravida 3, para 1, artificial abortion 1) who developed postpartum HUS following abruptio placenta. After cesarean delivery due to abruptio placenta, the patient developed acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia followed by hypertension. Plasma exchange led to recovery from thrombocytopenia and improvement in renal function. This case highlights the importance of observation of peripheral blood smears in patients with abruptio placenta who develop thrombocytopenia after delivery.
Wu
Vin-Cent
VC
Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lin
Shuei-Liong
SL
Tsai
Chien-Chen
CC
Tien
Hwei-Fang
HF
D000037:Abruptio Placentae / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006463:Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy