The natural history of HELLP syndrome: patterns of disease progression and regression.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-1-1991
Abstract
Despite much recent interest in HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count), there is little published information about the natural history of this unique form of severe preeclampsia-eclampsia. The time course and pattern of laboratory abnormalities for 158 patients with HELLP syndrome managed in a single tertiary referral center between 1980 and 1989 were studied retrospectively. Despite considerable patient variation, most gravid women with HELLP syndrome had decreasing platelet counts until 24 to 48 hours after delivery. Conversely, lactate dehydrogenase concentrations usually peaked 24 to 48 hours post partum. In all patients who recovered, a platelet count greater than 1,000,000/mm3 was spontaneously achieved by the sixth postpartum day or within 72 hours of platelet nadir. An upward trend in platelet count and a downward trend in lactate dehydrogenase concentrations should be apparent in patients without complications by the fourth postpartum day. These data provide baseline information against which the course of individual patients can be compared and the infrequent, atypical case identified for interventive therapy.
Volume
164
Issue
6 Pt 1
First Page
1500
Last Page
1509
ISSN
0002-9378
Published In/Presented At
Martin, J. N., Jr, Blake, P. G., Perry, K. G., Jr, McCaul, J. F., Hess, L. W., & Martin, R. W. (1991). The natural history of HELLP syndrome: patterns of disease progression and regression. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 164(6 Pt 1), 1500–1513. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(91)91429-z
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
2048596
Department(s)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Document Type
Article