[A report of fourteen cases with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the incidence, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome.

METHODS

The clinical data of fourteen cases with HELLP syndrome complicated by severe pregnancy-induced hypertension were analyzed retrospectively during the past seven years.

RESULTS

The incidence of HELLP syndrome was 8% in the patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. According to the diagnosis criteria used by Tennessee University, there were eight cases with complete HELLP syndrome and six cases with partial HELLP syndrome. The major therapeutic way were intensive maternal and fetal monitoring, active management of preeclampsia and eclampsia, administration of corticosteroids and termination the pregnancy as fast as possible. The major complications were DIC, placental abruption, pneumonedema and acute renal failure. The maternal and perinatal mortality were 7% and 29%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HELLP syndrome was a serious life-threatening complication of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. In order to decrease the maternal and perinatal mortality rate, HELLP syndrome should be diagnosed and treated as fast as possible.