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Pre-eclampsia-eclampsia admitted to critical care unit

José Rojas-Suarez1, Paulino Vigil-De Gracia

  • 1Critical Care Unit, Clínica de Maternidad Rafael Calvo, Grupo de Investigación en Cuidados Intensivos y Obstetricia, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|April 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Women with HELLP syndrome, with or without eclampsia, face increased risks of severe complications and death. HELLP syndrome significantly impacts maternal outcomes in eclampsia cases.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Maternal Health

Background:

  • Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding the specific impact of conditions like HELLP syndrome on critical care outcomes is crucial for improving patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of women admitted to the critical care unit for hypertensive disorders.
  • To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and HELLP with eclampsia (HEEH).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study conducted in Cartagena, Colombia, from January 2006 to December 2009.
  • Patients were categorized into four groups: severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and HEEH.
  • Data collected included parity, gestational age, mode of delivery, need for mechanical ventilation, blood pressure levels, inotropic support, hospitalization duration, organ dysfunction, and maternal mortality.

Main Results:

  • A total of 217 cases were analyzed, with severe pre-eclampsia without HELLP being the most frequent diagnosis (39.2%).
  • Hospitalization duration and multiple organ dysfunction were significantly higher in patients with HELLP syndrome and HEEH.
  • Maternal mortality was 2.3% (5 deaths), primarily due to intracranial hemorrhage, intra-abdominal bleeding, and pulmonary complications.

Conclusions:

  • HELLP syndrome, with or without eclampsia, is associated with significantly increased maternal morbidity and mortality.
  • The presence of HELLP syndrome is a critical factor influencing maternal outcomes in cases of eclampsia.
Abstract

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