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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · AJP Rep 2019; 09(02): e147-e152
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1687873
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Babesiosis in Pregnancy: An Imitator of HELLP Syndrome

Raminder Kaur Khangura
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
,
Nayo Williams
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
,
Shontreal Cooper
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
,
Anne- Marie Prabulos
1   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

29 November 2018

11 December 2018

Publication Date:
29 April 2019 (online)

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Abstract

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a serious pregnancy complication that can cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There are several conditions that may occur in pregnancy that may imitate the laboratory findings and clinical presentation of HELLP syndrome. Babesiosis is a parasitic imitator of HELLP syndrome that can be spread by the tick, transfusions, or congenitally. Recognition and treatment of this condition is important to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.

Keywords

HELLP imitators - tick-borne illness - pregnancy - infectious disease - babesia microti - babesiosis
 

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