[HELLP syndrome in routine obstetrical care. Three case reports].

Abstract

In recent years the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (H-ELLP) has attracted increasing interest in obstetrics as a serious complication of pregnancy, either alone or in combination with the classical symptoms of EPH-gestosis or eclampsia. In 1993, we observed 3 cases of severe HELLP syndrome in a total of 1126 deliveries. We present the clinical characteristics and the laboratory findings in these cases. A common symptom was general malaise and upper abdominal discomfort or pain. All patients were delivered by cesarean section of healthy infants. We conclude that it is no longer sufficient to emphasize edema, proteinuria and hypertension, but that the signs and symptoms of the HELLP syndrome present a new and increasingly important challenge in obstetric practice.