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Diagnostic Pathology

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case Report

A case report of undiagnosed postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome

Authors: Jiao Mu, Ji Zhang, Ananda Sunnassee, Hongmei Dong

Published in: Diagnostic Pathology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome (PHUS) is a severe thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) that is clinically characterized by hemolytic anemia, renal dysfunction, and low platelet levels after childbirth. Here, we report a rare case of unexpected death due to PHUS.

Case Presentation

A 23-year-old parturient had an uncomplicated cesarean section at 40 weeks gestation. The immediate postpartum course was uneventful. However, eight days post delivery, the patient developed severe nausea and vomiting followed by hematuria, spontaneous bruising, marked pallor, icteric sclera, and lethargy. Laboratory findings revealed that the patient had hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. This patient died approximately 29 h after the onset of symptoms. Post-mortem examination confirmed that the patient had PHUS.

Conclusions

This paper addresses the need for a renal histological examination in addition to a thorough clinical history and appropriate laboratory tests for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of PHUS. Early detection and diagnosis can significantly improve the prognosis and optimize maternal outcomes.

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Title: A case report of undiagnosed postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Jiao Mu
Ji Zhang
Ananda Sunnassee
Hongmei Dong
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Diagnostic Pathology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1746-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13000-015-0278-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A case report of undiagnosed postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome

Abstract

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case Presentation

Conclusions

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