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Predictive value of the HALP score for pre-eclampsia with severe features
Zekiye Soykan Sert1, Mete Bertizlioğlu2
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aksaray University Medical School, Aksaray, Turkey.
Insights
The Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score can predict severe pre-eclampsia. A higher HALP score in early pregnancy indicates a greater risk of developing severe pre-eclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia poses significant risks during pregnancy, necessitating reliable predictive tests.
- Early identification of severe pre-eclampsia is crucial for maternal and fetal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive capability of the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score for pre-eclampsia severity.
- To assess the HALP score as an independent predictor of severe pre-eclampsia features.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of data from 229 pre-eclampsia patients and 142 healthy controls (January 2019-January 2023).
- Calculation of the HALP score using first-trimester blood parameters.
- Comparison of HALP scores between pre-eclampsia groups (severe vs. non-severe features) and controls.
Main Results:
- The HALP score was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia patients with severe features compared to controls (6.18 ± 2.66 vs. 3.75 ± 1.86, p=0.006).
- The HALP score independently predicted severe pre-eclampsia (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10-3.32, p=0.017).
- A HALP score > 4.61 demonstrated 74.5% sensitivity and 81.3% specificity for predicting severe pre-eclampsia.
Conclusions:
- A significant correlation exists between the HALP score and the presence of severe pre-eclampsia features.
- The HALP score shows potential as a valuable tool for predicting pre-eclampsia severity in early pregnancy.
Introduction:
Predictive tests are needed to ensure the development and subsequent follow-up of pre-eclampsia, which is responsible for significant rates of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score for the severity of preeclampsia.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the data of women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at our clinic from January 2019 to January 2023. The control group consisted of normotensive, healthy pregnant women. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia were further evaluated in two groups: those with severe features and those without severe features. The clinical and demographic data of the cases were evaluated. The HALP score was calculated using the first trimester blood parameters of the cases and compared between groups.
Results:
The study included 229 patients with preeclampsia and 142 normotensive healthy controls. Of the patients with preeclampsia, 104 (28.1%) had severe features of the disease. The HALP score was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group with severe features than in the control group (6.18 ± 2.66 vs. 3.75 ± 1.86; p = 0.006). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the HALP score (odds ratio: 2.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-3.32, p = 0.017) was found to be an independent indicator for preeclampsia with severe features. A HALP score of > 4.61 predicted the development of preeclampsia with severe features with a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 81.3%.
Conclusion:
We found a significant correlation between the HALP score and preeclampsia with severe features. The HALP score may be useful in predicting the severity of preeclampsia.
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