The HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome in severe hypertensive crises of pregnancy--does it exist?

The HELLP syndrome, comprising haemolysis, elevated liver enzyme values and a low platelet count, was studied in 26 women with hypertensive crises of pregnancy and in matched controls. Platelet counts and bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase and haematocrit levels together with peripheral blood smears were studied on the day of admission and on the 7th day after delivery. Only 1 woman with pre-eclampsia was found to have had the HELLP syndrome; the case report is presented and the laboratory investigations are discussed.