Postpartum heparin therapy for patients with the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) is associated with significant hemorrhagic complications.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of two groups of 16 patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome treated with heparin therapy or treated conservatively in the postpartum period.

STUDY

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study comparing 16 consecutive patients with HELLP syndrome admitted to the ICU at the University of Florence (Italy) after delivery and treated with heparin, to 16 patients with the same disease admitted to the University of Virginia (UVA, USA) and treated with supportive therapy.

RESULTS

Nine patients in the Florence group developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Six of them developed postpartum hemorrhage that was medically and surgically controlled. Five hysterectomies were performed and seven other laparotomies were necessary in four patients to control further bleeding complications. In the UVA group, one patient developed DIC and another one a retroperitoneal hematoma that resolved with no need for surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Heparin therapy for postpartum patients with HELLP syndrome was associated with bleeding complications. We speculate that the heparin therapy was the cause for the bleeding complications occurred in the Florence group of patients.