Pre-eclampsia and the HELLP syndrome still cause maternal mortality in The Netherlands and other developed countries; can we reduce it?

Maternal mortality in developed countries does not seem to have decreased during the past decade, despite good prenatal care. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the main cause of maternal mortality in most countries. In more than half of these cases, the HELLP syndrome is involved. In this article attention is drawn again to the life-threatening complications that might occur in cases of pre- eclampsia and the HELLP syndrome. Two case histories with fatal outcomes are described to provide extra emphasis. The literature indicates that some cases of maternal mortality might be avoidable. From a review of the literature, suggestions and recommendations are made about how to achieve a decrease in maternal mortality from pre-eclampsia/the HELLP syndrome. The most important are the making of an early, correct diagnosis, anticipating the possibilities of serious complications, and, if necessary, early referral to a regional centre with special expertise.