Association of Subcapsular Liver Hematoma With Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, or Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count Syndrome.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the presentation, outcomes, and management strategies for cases of subcapsular liver hematoma associated with preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome.

Methods: This was a case series of individuals with subcapsular liver hematoma managed at a single level IV center over a 10-year period, from 2013 to 2024. Presenting signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, time of onset, management strategies, acute perinatal and maternal outcomes, and long-term outcomes such as subsequent pregnancies were reviewed in the medical record and recorded. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, with results reported as means, standard deviations, and ranges. Categorical variables were summarized as counts and percentages.

Results: There were 13 cases of subcapsular liver hematoma associated with preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome between 2013 and 2024. In 10 of the 13 pregnancies (76.9%), delivery was preterm. The most common presenting symptoms were epigastric or right upper quadrant pain (53.8%), followed by abdominal distention (38.5%). Diagnosis of subcapsular liver hematoma was made in the antepartum period for six patients and was made in the postpartum for seven patients. The diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by computed tomography. Conservative management with close hemodynamic monitoring and transfusion of blood and blood products was sufficient in 11 (84.6%) patients; two patients underwent surgical exploration. The mean duration of hospital stay was 10 days (range 2-21 days). Maternal complications included pleural effusions, acute kidney injury, and pulmonary edema. There were no maternal deaths. There were four stillbirths and no neonatal deaths. Four people had five subsequent pregnancies; delivery was preterm in all five pregnancies, two pregnancies were complicated by subsequent HELLP syndrome, and one patient developed recurrent subcapsular liver hematoma.

Conclusion: Subcapsular liver hematoma is a rare complication of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome that is associated with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidities. Conservative management with hemodynamic monitoring and transfusion of blood and blood products was sufficient for management in the majority of cases. All subsequent pregnancies resulted in preterm births.