An Unusual Presentation of Partial Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels, and Low Platelet Levels Syndrome in a Case of in vitro Fertilization-DEM Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or autoimmune conditions is complicated by complementmediated injury and is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. Immunological intolerance between the mother and the fetus may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The present case highlights the influence of susceptibility to preeclampsia/hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome due to preexisting autoimmune conditions. In vitro fertilization (IVF)Donor embryo pregnancy (DEM) pregnancy is one such unique scenario where there exists partial immunological disparity between the native intrauterine environment and the implanted donor embryo that could predispose to autoimmune problems in pregnancy. This case illustrates a similar scenario in which a pregnant woman with IVF-DEM conception and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive status manifested with a normotensive partial HELLP syndrome which was reiterated by the fact that there was clinical evidence of retroperitoneal hemorrhage intraoperatively during cesarean along with the neonate who was diagnosed to have L-carnitine deficiency, which is unique to fetuses with mothers of HELLP syndrome.