Incidence, Characteristics, Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of HELLP Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: HELLP syndrome is associated with increased maternal and fetal complications. It was aimed to provide the incidence of HELLP syndrome and related maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Patients and Methods: Patients diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome within the study period were subsequently assessed in this retrospective study of a 5-years period. Primary outcome was to establish the incidence of HELLP syndrome and to investigate the predicting factors for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Secondary outcome was to evaluate the factors related with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome was established with using the Sibai criteria. Results: A total of 12.324 women gave birth during the study period. One hundred four pregnant women were diagnosed with HELLP syndrome with an incidence of 0.84%.The rate of maternal mortality was 2.9% (n=3).Out of all, 86.5% (n=90) of the patients had at least one major complication following the birth. Out of all, 60.6% (n=63) of the neonates had at least one major complication following the birth. The rate of prematurity and IUGR was 61.5% (n=64) and 28.2% (n=29), respectively. There were 3 (2.8%) neonatal deaths. The stillbirth rate was 18.3% (n=19). Conclusion: HELLP syndrome is a serious clinical condition with an incidence of 8.4 per 1,000 deliveries and result in high maternal mortality and morbidity. The lack of a sufficient antenatal follow-up and the rural residence of pregnant women were found to be related with major maternal adverse outcomes.