Gastrointestinal Complications of Pre-eclampsia

Gastrointestinal complications of pre-eclampsia can occur and have the risk of being life-threatening for the mother and fetus. Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome has been recognized as a complication of pre-eclampsia for decades. Pregnancies complicated by this syndrome require a well-formulated management plan, including assessing and stabilizing the maternal condition as well as evaluating fetal well-being. Patients with HELLP syndrome should receive anti-seizure prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate, treatment for severe hypertension, and correction of coagulopathy, if present. The potential benefits of expectant management of HELLP syndrome in those remote from term and the use of corticosteroids to improve maternal outcome remain experimental. Computed tomography or ultrasound of the abdomen should be performed if a subcapsular hematoma of the liver is suspected. If a ruptured hematoma is confirmed, massive transfusions and laparotomy are indicated. Ischemia associated with pre-eclampsia cannot only damage the liver but also the pancreas and gallbladder. Semin Perinatol 33:179-188 (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.