A 5-Year Clinical Experience of Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelet Count (HELLP) Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in North Karnataka – A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND Haemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL) and low platelet count (LP) i.e., HELLP syndrome is a vaguely understood condition of pregnancy which can present with rapid onset. It is commonly associated with pre - eclampsia. HELLP is also known to manifest itself without the clinical features of pre - eclampsia. The present study aims to assess the maternal and foetal complications associated with HELLP syndrome. METHODS This retrospective study included all the pregnant women who developed HELLP / partial HELLP with gestational age of ≥ 28 weeks. The variables analyzed were obstetric history, menstrual history, antenatal complications, laboratory investigations (haemolysis, ALT / AST, LDH, CBC), mode of delivery, postnatal complications, maternal outcomes and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS 72 patients were included in the present study. The mean age of pregnant women with HELLP syndrome was 23.6 ± 4.15 years. The average age of gestation was 33.17 ± 4.02 weeks. 58 % patients were primigravida. As per Mississippi triple-class system 82 % patients had partial HELLP, 18 % had complete HELLP. 4 %, 4 % & 10 % patients had HELLP class I, II & III respectively. Among the total cases, 74 % patients had antepartum onset, 10 % had intrapartum & 17 % postpartum onset of HELLP syndrome respectively. 65 % patients delivered vaginally & rest 35 % underwent caesarean section. High risk factors such as pre - eclampsia (65 %), eclampsia (3 %) & previous history of HELLP (8 %) were noted in study cases. Abruptio placentae (18 %), postpartum haemorrhage (17 %), pulmonary oedema (14 %), renal failure (14 %) & DIC (7 %) were the maternal complications noted. Maternal mortality was 7 %. The major perinatal morbidities noted were prematurity (67 %) & FGR (42 %). Intrauterine death was noted in 19 % babies. Neonatal intensive care (NICU) was required for 58 % babies, of which 42 % had respiratory distress. Neonatal death was noted in 17 %. CONCLUSIONS HELLP syndrome is a life threatening condition of pregnancy which has serious maternal and perinatal morbidities. Prompt referral, timely and appropriate interventions can save lives. Availability of Intensive Care Units (ICU) facilities, dialysis units and blood and its components along with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) facilities can remarkably reduce the maternal and neonatal complications. KEY WORDS HELLP Syndrome, Preeclampsia, Maternal Mortality, Neonatal Mortality, Mississippi Triple - Class System