Related Experiment Videos
Effect of the HELLP syndrome on maternal immune function
D S Cunningham1, T L Christie, E E Evans
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, United States Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|June 1, 1993
Summary
HELLP syndrome, a pregnancy complication, significantly depresses immune cell function, increasing infection risk. This immune dysfunction persists even after clinical recovery, indicating a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) affects <1% of pregnancies.
- Immune status in HELLP syndrome is poorly understood, impacting understanding of pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders.
- Compounding effects of infection on debilitated HELLP patients require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess maternal immune function in patients diagnosed with HELLP syndrome.
- To investigate the basis of immune dysfunction in pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders.
- To evaluate the potential for increased infection risk in HELLP patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized conventional in vitro techniques to evaluate immune cell function.
- Assessed T cell, B cell, and monocyte activity.
- Conducted cell admixture studies to identify mediators of immune suppression.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant depression in T and B cell potential (33% and 11% of control values, respectively).
- Observed impaired monocyte handling of intracellular pathogens (17% of control values).
- Found immunosuppression onset before clinical diagnosis and persistence for at least 14 days post-resolution, mediated by accessory cells.
Conclusions:
- HELLP syndrome is associated with generalized immunosuppression and reduced monocyte phagocytic and bactericidal activity.
- Immune dysfunction is mediated by accessory cells or their products, not true lymphocyte dysfunction.
- Increased risk of opportunistic infections is likely in HELLP syndrome patients due to immune impairment.