Clinical and biological characteristics of a group of 54 pregnant women with HELLP syndrome

The HELLP syndrome is a rare form of preeclampsia with a variable presentation with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine its clinical and biological characteristics in our hospital. An observational study of all cases of confirmed HELLP syndrome from 1999 to 2002 was carried out. There were 54 cases of HELLP syndrome. Mean maternal age was 30.06 (16-41) years. 57.4% were primiparous. Mean gestational age at diagnosis of HELLP syndrome was 31.75 (20-41) weeks. Symptoms and signs were dominated by the digestive ones. Hypertension was observed in all cases. 77.8% pregnancies were delivered by caesarean section. Mean birth weight was 1674.52 g (150-3800 g). There were 12 perinatal deaths and one maternal death. HELLP syndrome is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of pregnancy which is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Management should be multidisciplinary and based on strict control by maternal and fetal symptoms.