Leptospirosis Manifesting as HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets) Syndrome: A Rare Case of Leptospirosis During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is characterized by a reduced immune response, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections. We present a case of a 24-year-old woman in her second pregnancy who arrived at the hospital at 36 weeks gestation in active labor. The patient had received regular antenatal care including routine prenatal check-ups, screenings, and appropriate vaccinations. She complained of abdominal pain for 5-6 hours, sudden onset of hematuria, and a history of low-grade fever for two days. Physical examination revealed paleness, grade three pedal edema, and elevated blood pressure. Diagnostic tests showed mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, elevated liver enzymes, and kidney dysfunction. The patient was admitted to the labor ward, and a tentative diagnosis of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome was made. Shortly after arrival, she spontaneously delivered a healthy baby. However, post-delivery, her fever profile indicated the presence of leptospira IgM antibodies, leading to a diagnosis of leptospirosis mimicking HELLP syndrome. Immediate medical treatment resulted in symptom resolution within two weeks and normal biochemical values within a month. Leptospirosis, caused by the gram -negative spirochete bacteria leptospira, is a zoonotic infection rarely observed during pregnancy and can be misdiagnosed due to its atypical presentation. It can mimic other pregnancy-related conditions such as viral hepatitis, obstetric cholestasis, HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Early detection and treatment are crucial as this disease can have serious consequences for both the mother and fetus. Therefore, leptospirosis should be considered a potential differential diagnosis, particularly in endemic areas.