Case Report: A rare complication of non-hypertensive HELLP syndrome—microangiopathic coagulation activation leading to postpartum DIC with acute kidney injury

TL;DR

A rare case of non-hypertensive HELLP syndrome led to severe coagulation issues and kidney injury, emphasizing the need for early detection.

Contribution

This case report highlights microangiopathic coagulation activation in non-hypertensive HELLP syndrome and its rapid progression to DIC and AKI.

Findings

Non-hypertensive HELLP syndrome can progress to DIC and AKI with minimal blood loss.

Pregnancy-related hypercoagulability increases the risk of microangiopathic coagulation activation.

Early recognition and targeted interventions are critical for managing this rare complication.

Abstract

Thrombotic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in the absence of typical hypertension is rare, and its pathogenesis differs significantly from that of hemorrhagic DIC. Although the overall incidence is low, disease progression is often rapid and carries a high risk of multi-organ failure. Pregnancy-specific physiologic changes, including endothelial injury, hypercoagulability, and a predisposition to microcirculatory thrombosis, markedly increase the likelihood of microangiopathic coagulation activation in non-hypertensive HELLP patients. Therefore, prompt recognition of coagulation abnormalities and timely, targeted interventions are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Here, we report a case of HELLP syndrome without prenatal hypertension that rapidly progressed to DIC and acute kidney injury (AKI), despite only moderate blood loss (800 mL). This case highlights potential mechanisms underlying microangiopathic coagulation activation and provides an important reference for the clinical recognition and management of such occult coagulopathies.

Figures