[HELLP syndrome. Severe consequence of hypertensive disease induced by pregnancy]

A descriptive, transversal retrospective study was performed, to determine the prevalence of HELLP syndrome among patients with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH), who were admitted into the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service the American British Cowdray Hospital in Mexico City, since July 1992 to June 1995. We detected a total or 11 patients who had the diagnostic parameters proposed by Sibaí, those were 11.8% of all the patients with PIH. The medial gestational age was 33 weeks (range from 30 to 39) The mean tensional levels were 170/ 107 mm Hg, in base of platelet count, nine patients were classified as Class I (82%) and two in Class II (18%), the medial peak levels of transaminases and bilirubins was reached 40 hours and that of lactic deshidrogenase 60 hours after the diagnosis was established, while the minimum levels of hematocrit and platelets were at 48 and 57 respectively. The mean weight of the neonates was 1,655 g, the maternal mortality rate was 9% and the perinatal 8.3%, the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome was established before delivery in 40% of the cases and after that in 60%, puerperal HELLP may occur more frequently that is believed. Point out the importance of early detection of this clinic entity in order to establish an opportune and efficient treatment which improves maternal and fetal prognosis.