Incidence of eclampsia with HELLP syndrome and associated mortality in Latin America

To describe the maternal outcome among women with eclampsia with and without HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count).

A cross-sectional study of women with eclampsia was undertaken in 14 maternity units in Latin America between January 1 and December 31, 2012. Outcomes were compared between women with and without concomitant HELLP syndrome. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors of maternal mortality.

There were 196 eclampsia cases among 115 038 deliveries; 142 (72.4%) women had eclampsia alone and 54 (27.6%) women had concomitant HELLP syndrome. Severe systolic hypertension (≥160 mm Hg), severe diastolic hypertension (≥110 mm Hg), and hypertensive encephalopathy were significantly more common among women with HELLP than among those with eclampsia alone (P=0.01 for all). There were 8 (4.1%) maternal deaths, all in the group with HELLP syndrome, and 18 (9.1%) perinatal deaths. In a multivariate regression model, maternal mortality was significantly associated with low platelet count and severe systolic hypertension (P<0.05).

Eclampsia with HELLP syndrome is a dangerous complication associated with pregnancy. Low platelet count secondary to HELLP syndrome and severe systolic hypertension were independently associated with maternal mortality from eclampsia.