[HELLP syndrome--4 case reports]

HELLP-syndrome (H - haemolysis, EL - elevated liver enzymes, LP - low platelet count) is a serious complication of pregnancy. It can be considered as a variant of severe preeclampsia, where haemolysis, hepatic damage (elevated liver enzymes) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets) are all present. Four case reports of HELLP-syndrome are described. HELLP-syndrome may develop within a few hours. It can be seen pre-, intra- and postpartum. Many patients do not exhibit a clinical picture of severe preeclampsia. Patients who develop HELLP-syndrome usually complain of malaise, nausea, epigastric pain and headache. The diagnosis is confirmed when haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia are demonstrated. Patients with HELLP-syndrome require intensive care by a team of obstetricians, anaesthesiologists and haematologists.