Obstetric Implications of Antepartum Corticosteroid Therapy for HELLP Syndrome

OBJECTIVE:We reviewed the impact of intravenous high-dose corticosteroid administration for preterm hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome on vaginal delivery rate and degree of clinically significant thrombocytopenia. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of 1991–2000 HELLP syndrome (platelets < 100,000/uL, lactate dehydrogenase > 600 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase and/or alanine aminotransferase > 70 IU/L) data focusing on labor inductions for gestations of less than 34 weeks and increase in platelet count sufficient to permit regional anesthetic techniques. RESULTS:Antepartum high-dose corticosteroid use increased from 32% (1991–1995) to 67% (1996–2000) for 350 patients studied (n = 199, < 34 weeks; n = 151, > 34 weeks). Corresponding vaginal delivery rates were 32% for gestations of less than 30 weeks, 61% at 30–31 weeks, and 62% at 32–33 weeks. Similarly, 27% of patients with a platelet count of less than 75,000/uL and 52% with a platelet count of less than 100,000/uL who received high-dose corticosteroids during the study interval subsequently achieved a 100,000/uL threshold in time to perform regional anesthesia for delivery. CONCLUSION:Administration of intravenous high-dose corticosteroids for preterm HELLP syndrome increases probability of successful labor induction and candidacy for regional anesthesia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:II-3