THE HELLP-SYNDROME - A REVIEW OF 11 CASES

The Hellp syndrome is a complication of gestational hypertension chara cterized by hemolysis; elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet counts . On the basis of 11 cases, the epidemiology, clinical features, treat ment, outcome, and prognostic significance of Hellp syndrome are discu ssed. Mean age was 28 years. Six patients were primagravidas. At least two criteria for severe toxemia of pregnancy (i.e., eclampsia and sev ere arterial hypertension) were found in each of the 11 patients. Mort ality rates were 36.3 % in mothers and 61.5 % in fetuses. Hellp syndro me indicates a life-threatening situation. The presence of other crite ria indicating severe eclampsia is of additional adverse prognostic si gnificance.