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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

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Published on: October 14, 2025
HELLP syndrome is associated with an increased inflammatory response, which may be inhibited by administration of
Pieter J van Runnard Heimel1, Annemiek Kavelaars, Cobie J Heijnen
1Department of Perinatology and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. heimel@hotmail.com
Objective:
To investigate the effect of prednisolone on HELLP syndrome by assessing several markers of the inflammatory response and hepatic damage associated with HELLP syndrome.
Design:
Prospective study.
Setting:
Single-center, tertiary obstetric care facility at the University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Population:
Study subjects included normal controls, patients with non-HELLP preeclampsia, and patients with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
Methods:
HELLP syndrome was defined by hemolysis (serum lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] >600 IU/L and/or haptoglobin
Main Outcome Measures:
Plasma levels of CRP, IL-1RA, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and GSTA1-1.
Results:
During a HELLP exacerbation CRP, IL-6, IL-1Ra, and GSTA1-1 levels are significantly increased (p < 0.01). In the group of patients treated with prednisolone, significantly lower IL-6 levels were observed during a HELLP exacerbation, compared with patients who did not receive prednisolone (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
HELLP syndrome is associated with an increased inflammatory response. Circulating IL-6 levels in HELLP syndrome are reduced during prednisolone administration, suggesting a stabilizing effect on the inflammatory endothelial process.
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