Am J Perinatol 1992; 9(2): 120-122
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994683
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1992 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Treatment of Persistent Postpartum Hellp Syndrome with Plasmapheresis

Vern L. Katz, William J. Watson, John M. Thorp Jr. , Wendy Hansen, Watson A. Bowes Jr. 
  • Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
04. März 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Thrombocytopenia, associated with microangiopathic disease, is one characteristic of severe preeclampsia. Thrombocytopenia and intravascular hemolysis usually resolve by postpartum days 4 to 5. When thrombocytopenia secondary to microangiopathic disease persists, plasmapheresis may be used to arrest and reverse the process. Three patients over a 24-month period were successfully treated with plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma. Several investigators who have cared for patients with persistent thrombocytopenia associated with preeclampsia have concluded that early plasmapheresis may be useful therapy. Plasma exchange should also be considered as a therapeutic option when clinical deterioration occurs due to microangiopathic disease.