Pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome: What is new?

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia have been known to us for centuries. Significant improvements have been made in our knowledge of the disease, however, delivery remains the only effective form of treatment. There is widespread variation of practice in the management of hypertensive disease in pregnancy, which may lead to substandard care. The use of aspirin in preventing pre-eclampsia, the lack of correlation between urinary protein and adverse outcome, and the ineffectiveness of corticosteroids in the management of hemolysis and elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome are a few of the developments that will alter the way this condition is managed. This article aims to provide a general overview of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and hemolysis, hemolysis and elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome supported by the latest evidence, which will help the care provider adopt a focused approach and use the latest knowledge to understand and manage this old condition. © 2011 Future Medicine Ltd.