Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with hellp syndrome

Our purpose was to describe the effects of serious obstetric complications on maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by Hellp syndrome. Retrospective study. Sixteen patients managed from January 1994 through December 1998 in whom pregnancy was complicated by Hellp Syndrome. The incidence of Hellp syndrome among women with severe preeclampsia and/or eclampsia (164 cases) was 9.7%. Fourteen cases occurred before and two after delivery. In nine cases, Hellp occurred before 32 weeks of gestation and later in two other cases. Mean gestational age at delivery was 32.4 weeks. Serious maternal morbidity included acute renal failure (five cases), disseminated intravascular coagulation (two cases), pulmonary oedema (one case), severe ascites (five cases), pleural effusion (three cases), adult respiratory distress syndrome (one case). Abruptio placenta, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation were always associated. Ten patients required transfusions with blood products. Caesarean delivery was performed in 15 cases. General anaesthesia was used in all patients. There was one maternal death from multiple organ failure. Perinatal outcome was poor. Six perinatal deaths were related to abruptio placenta, intrauterine asphyxia and extreme prematurity. The high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity reported with the presence of Hellp syndrome requires maternal-fetal follow-up in a tertiary centre where intensive maternal and neonatal care are available.