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Gilbert's syndrome is not associated with HELLP syndrome
P L Zusterzeel1, R te Morsche, M T Raijmakers
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|September 21, 2001
Summary
This study investigated the link between HELLP syndrome and Gilbert's syndrome, a common cause of elevated bilirubin. Genetic analysis found no significant association, suggesting Gilbert's syndrome does not increase HELLP syndrome risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Genetics
- Hepatology
Background:
- HELLP syndrome is linked to postpartum unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
- Gilbert's syndrome, a common cause of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, is associated with a genetic defect in bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase.
- This genetic defect is prevalent in Caucasian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between Gilbert's syndrome and HELLP syndrome.
- To determine if a specific genetic defect related to Gilbert's syndrome is more common in women with a history of HELLP syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to genotype 237 women with a history of HELLP syndrome and 236 control subjects.
- The study focused on a specific genetic defect in the TATA box of the promoter region of the UGT1A1 gene, which encodes bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase.
- Statistical analysis, including chi-squared test, was performed to compare the prevalence of the genetic defect between cases and controls.
Main Results:
- A homozygous genetic defect was identified in 15% of women with a history of HELLP syndrome and 10% of control subjects.
- The difference in the prevalence of the homozygous genetic defect between the two groups was not statistically significant (chi2 = 2.9; P = 0.23).
- No evidence supported an association between Gilbert's syndrome and the HELLP syndrome.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a link between Gilbert's syndrome and the occurrence of HELLP syndrome.
- The genetic defect associated with Gilbert's syndrome is not a significant risk factor for developing HELLP syndrome.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential genetic or environmental factors contributing to HELLP syndrome.