Syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count: report of 4 cases.

Four cases of severe preeclamptic patients with the findings of hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL) and a low platelet count (LP) were presented. Maternal mortality occurred in two of the four cases with one experiencing liver rupture. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in 3 cases. The entity has been termed the HELLP syndrome. The high maternal and perinatal mortality of our cases was mainly due to the severe coagulopathy associated with the HELLP syndrome. The practicing obstetrician must be knowledgeable about this severe consequence of toxemia in pregnancy and aggressive management is essential to improve maternal and perinatal outcome.