A Case of Massive Hepatic Infarction in a Patient with HELLP Syndrome.

 Hepatic infarction is an exceedingly rare complication of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome. Few cases have been described in the medical literature and the true incidence remains unknown. It can lead to fulminant liver failure, liver transplant, or death if not promptly addressed.

Pearls in clinical obstetrics: challenges in anticoagulation in pregnancy.

Women are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) during both pregnancy and in the post-partum period. We have conducted a comprehensive literature review of the use of anticoagulation in pregnancy for pregnant women at increased risk for VTE. Multiple factors, including physiologic and pharmacokinetic changes make the treatment and prevention of VTE complicated in pregnancy.

Ethical issues in obstetrics.

Obstetricians must become comfortable addressing the ethical issues involved in clinical obstetrics and therefore must have an understanding of the key elements of clinical medical ethics. Balancing the principles of medical ethics can guide clinicians toward solutions to ethical dilemmas encountered in the care of pregnant women. The purpose of this article is to review the ethical foundations of clinical practice, recognize the ethical issues obstetricians face every day in caring for patients, and facilitate decision making.

West Nile virus encephalitis during pregnancy.

Background: West Nile virus is an emerging pathogen in the United States. Although most cases are subclinical, serious infection can occur in the form of fulminant meningoencephalitis.

Case: We present a case of West Nile virus meningoencephalitis complicating pregnancy.