When Preeclampsia Is Not the Whole Story: Postpartum Microangiopathic Hemolysis After Cesarean Delivery

Authors

• Michael Balce, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
• Ryan Benjamin, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-18-2026

Abstract

A 31-year-old gravida 4 para 2-1-1-3 woman with prior pulmonary embolism, prior cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and chronic hypertension presented at 32 weeks’ gestation with headache, worsening hypertension, and lower-extremity edema. She underwent an urgent low transverse cesarean section for persistent category II fetal heart rate tracings in the setting of superimposed preeclampsia. On postoperative day one, she developed acute kidney injury, decreased haptoglobin, and elevated reticulocyte count, concerning for microangiopathic hemolysis. This case highlights diagnostic and critical care challenges in postpartum thrombotic microangiopathy.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 16-20, 2026, San Diego, CA

Recommended Citation

Balce M, Benjamin R. When preeclampsia is not the whole story: postpartum microangiopathic hemolysis after cesarean delivery. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting; 2026 Oct 18; San Diego, CA. Available from: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21448/presentation/7374