HELLP syndrome - a multisystemic disorder

Abstract

HELLP syndrome is a multisystemic disorder with an incidence of 0.17-0.85% of all pregnancies. Its etiopathogenesis is not completely understood. The most widely accepted hypotheses are: a change in the immune feto-maternal balance, platelet aggregation, endothelial dysfunction, arterial hypertension and an inborn error of the fatty acid oxidative metabolism. Hepatic involvement occurs by intravascular fibrin deposition and hypovolemia. Materno-fetal complications cause a 6.7-70% perinatal mortality rate and a 1-24% maternal mortality rate. The recognition of HELLP syndrome and the rapid initiation of therapy are required for the improvement of materno-fetal prognosis.