HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening complication of pre-eclampsia characterized by:

• Haemolysis

• ELevated Liver Enzymes

• LP (Low Platelets)

Diagnostic criteria

Haemolysis

• Abnormal peripheral blood smear

• Total bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL

• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >600 U/L

Elevated Liver Enzymes

• Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT/AST) >70 U/L

• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >600 U/L

Low Platelets

• Platelet count <100,000/mm³

Management of HELLP Syndrome

The management of HELLP syndrome is the same as that of severe pre-eclampsia and includes:

• Hospitalization and close monitoring

• Blood pressure control

• Seizure prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate

• Maternal and fetal assessment

• Timely delivery once the mother is stabilized