Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme, and Low Platelet Syndrome in Pregnancy

Abstract

Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome is a life threatening  disorder, associated with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. HELLP  syndrome occurs in 0.5 to 0.9% of pregnancies and 70-80% of cases coexist with pre-eclampsia.  It occurs in the later stage of pregnancy as a complication of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.  The syndrome itself is manifested by hemolytic anemia, increased liver enzymes, and decreasing  platelet counts with neurological manifestations such as hemorrhagic stroke or subarachnoid  hemorrhage. Almost one half of women with HELLP syndrome have activation of coagulation  factors and platelets precipitates disseminated intravascular coagulation, which may cause  multiorgan failure. Rapid clinical assessment of maternal and fetal condition, early diagnosis &  management of the problems is needed to minimize adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.