Progression of hepatic damage during cold storage after procurement in a liver and kidney donor with HELLP syndrome.

BACKGROUND

HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are associated with preeclampsia and fetal defects in fatty acid metabolism. This defect causes the accumulation of metabolites that are harmful to the maternal liver.

CASE REPORT: We report a liver and kidney donor with HELLP syndrome and describe the progression of disease in the liver during cold storage. Before procurement, liver biopsy demonstrated minimal necrosis. However, after cold storage, repeat biopsy demonstrated more than 30% necrosis. The liver was not engrafted; the kidneys were transplanted without complication.

CONCLUSION

Livers procured from patients with HELLP syndrome should be carefully evaluated for progression of hepatic damage during cold storage and transport.