[HELLP syndrome as manifestation of pre-eclampsia decompensation during puerperium. 2 case reports]

Two extreme cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension with puerperal HELLP syndrome are presented and the literature is review. HELLP is an English acronym, for describing the preeclamptic or eclamptic patient, who also has hemolysis, elevated hepatic enzymes and low platelets. Its etiology has not been elucidated, but it has been accepted the theory of dysequilibrium in prostanoid metabolism. It has an incidence of 5 to 15% among patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Maternal mortality is about 10 to 28% and neonatal of 40%. Owing to fatal complications, treatment consist of interrupting pregnancy. Point out the importance of early detection of this clinic entity, which improves maternal-fetal prognosis.