HELLP-syndrome as a life-threatening condition: Current clinical considerations

Abstract

HELLP-syndrome is an extremely serious complication of pregnancy with a high risk of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Aim: to study the clinical course, maternal and perinatal complications in pregnant women with HELLP-syndrome. Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective study on clinical records of 28 births by women with HELLP-syndrome and 35 women with severe preeclampsia (PE) without HELLP-syndrome manifestations. The diagnostic criteria of the HELLP-syndrome in patients with severe were based on the symptoms of intravascular hemolysis typically manifested in arterial hypertension, proteinuria, and generalized edema. Results. The classical three symptoms of HELLP-syndrome were noted only in 64.2 % of cases, and the mono-symptomatic course - in 35.7 % of cases. The total triad of HELLP-syndrome (hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, elevation of hepatic enzymes) was recorded in 42.8 % of cases. The most common form was the typical HELLP-syndrome, then - the ELLP-syndrome (elevation of liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia) - 57.2 % of cases; an isolated elevation of hepatic enzymes in severe PE was found in 53.5 % of cases, thrombocytopenia in severe PE - in 64.2 % of cases. A high incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes was also found: premature births (64.2 %) and antenatal fetal death (21.4 %). Conclusion. In the above clinical situations, the diagnostic judgement should be pointed towards the HELLP-syndrome; accordingly, the adequate obstetric management should be initiated to prevent the development of life-threatening complications in both the mother and the fetus.