Long-term renal function after HELLP syndrome.

This study was set up to determine the long-term (5 or more years) renal function after HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome during pregnancy and to answer the question whether long-term renal follow-up is necessary. Women with HELLP syndrome were compared with healthy control subjects who delivered their first child during the same period. There was no difference between groups for body mass index, serum and urinary creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, total urinary protein/creatinine ratio, and urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio. Women who previously had HELLP syndrome had significantly higher diastolic and systolic blood pressures. Women with HELLP syndrome do not need continued renal follow-up, but have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, even 5 years after HELLP syndrome.