Characteristic laboratory changes in pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) is a severe, life-threatening complication of preeclampsia.
• Associated with significantly increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality rates.
• Requires obstetricians to be knowledgeable about its diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate characteristic laboratory findings in patients with HELLP syndrome.
• To identify reliable indicators for monitoring disease progression and recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 107 patients treated for HELLP syndrome over 10 years in an ICU setting.
• Analysis of laboratory findings including liver enzymes (AST, LDH), total bilirubin, and platelet counts.
• Monitoring of these parameters from diagnosis through the early postpartum period.

Main Results:

• HELLP syndrome occurred in 0.37% of live births.
• AST, LDH, and total bilirubin levels were suitable for monitoring hemolysis.
• Normalisation of AST, LDH, and bilirubin occurred between postpartum days 3-7.
• Platelet counts exceeded 100,000/microL by postpartum days 3-4.

Conclusions:

• Platelet count, LDH, AST, and total bilirubin levels are effective indicators for monitoring HELLP syndrome progression.
• These laboratory markers aid in assessing patient recovery postpartum.