Pre-eclampsia presenting with deep jaundice.

Pre-eclampsia complicated by deep jaundice occurred in a previously healthy primigravida. The main aetiological factor was disseminated intravascular coagulation; this caused both haemolysis and liver cell necrosis. Liver biopsy showed fibrin thrombi in the capillaries with microhaemorrhages and loss of periportal liver cells. The jaundice was attributed to both haemolytic and hepatocellular processes. Organs other than the liver were relatively unaffected.