Clinical Implications of HELLP Syndrome in Anesthesia Management of Preeclamptic Pregnant Mothers: A Literature-Based Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome is a serious life-threatening obstetric emergency accompanied with heterogeneous presentation and multisystem dysfunction. It increases the perils of fetal morbidity and mortality and requires complex clinical management during medical and surgical interventions. Hence, it remains a major challenge for anesthesia providers during perioperative management. The current study aimed to explore the main clinical implications of HELLP syndrome in anesthesia management of preeclamptic pregnant mothers who underwent cesarean section.METHODOLOGY:An exhaustive search of the literature was conducted on the available relevant databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Reviews, published from 1990 to 2023, using the terms HELLP syndrome, cesarean section, and anesthetic challenges/complications. All observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohorts, and nonrandomized studies on HELLP syndrome and anesthetic challenges during cesarean section reported in English were included. Nonpregnant mothers with HELLP syndrome and studies with no relevant reports or abstracts, case reports, or case studies were excluded.RESULTS:A systematic search of relevant databases identified 82 studies: 60 from PubMed, 18 from Google Scholar, and 4 from Cochrane Reviews. After removing duplicates, 48 studies were screened and recorded. Eighteen studies were assessed for eligibility after their titles and abstracts were reviewed. Twelve studies were excluded from the current study, as it did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. Finally, six studies, four retrospective studies, one prospective observational study, and one RCT, were included and reviewed.CONCLUSION:Perioperative anesthetic care in patients with HELLP syndrome remains a challenge. Hence, anesthetic techniques should be selected based on the severity of the condition, patient status, urgency surgery, fetal conditions, coagulation status, and safe platelet counts.