[Maternal mortality in HELLP syndrome in Bavaria 1983-1992]

150 cases of maternal death were registered in Bavaria from 1.1.1983-31.12.1992. 15 women (10%) died in the puerperal period due to preeclampsia. 14 of these patients either had single or complete laboratory findings in HELLP-Syndrom. Anamnesis, age, parity, nationality, way of delivery and causes of death are analysed. To improve the prognosis of patients with HELLP-Syndrom early diagnosis and immediate delivery are necessary. First signs of pre-eclampsia require regular liver-enzymes and platelet controls. In the occurrence of right upper abdominal pain in the second half of pregnancy precise diagnostics and close supervision in hospital is mandatory.