[Thrombotic microangiopathy and intravascular hemolysis in pregnancy-induced hypertension. The lie of HELLP syndrome].

We reviewed the literature regarding pregnancy-induced hypertension and its relation with thrombotic microangiopathy and intravascular hemolysis (TMIH). In the present work we described the background, frequency, mortality, clinical picture, classification, diagnosis, complications and treatment. In addition, we analyzed Weinstein's report of 1982, and we concluded that the reported data of the HELLP syndrome is not conclusive because the presence of TMIH is not demonstrable in his group of patients. Also, we retrospectively reviewed the medical charts from three Intensive Care Units from two specialized gyneco-obstetrics hospitals and from one General Hospital. From all the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and who developed TMIH confirmed clinically and by laboratory findings, we described the incidence of acute renal failure and the mortality in this group of patients.