Publication:

Fetomaternal outcome in pregnancy with HELLP syndrome

Background HELLP Syndrome is a serious complication of pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders. It is defined as a triad of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP). Objectives of this study was to find out incidence of HELLP syndrome in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and its overall incidence. To analyse the clinical profile of HELLP syndrome. To study maternal and perinatal outcome including morbidity and mortality.

Methods A retrospective study was conducted from July 2017 to September 2019 at a tertiary care center with inclusion criteria of abnormal peripheral blood smear, elevated liver enzymes (LDH, aspartate aminotransferase), and low platelet count.

Results HELLP syndrome was more common in younger age group (45%) and in primigravida (52.5%). Most of the patients presented at >36 weeks of gestation (40%) and most of the patients delivered by caesarean section (67.5%). Maternal complications were acute renal failure (27.5%), DIC (22.5%), maternal mortality (7.5%). Neonatal complications associated were intrauterine death (27.5%), prematurity (25%) and intrauterine growth retardation (15%).

Conclusions Thus, HELLP syndrome requires an early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment at tertiary care center with all the medical facilities available.