HELLP Syndrome in a Government District Hospital on the west coast in South India

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence, maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome in women with HELLP syndrome. Methods: Data-based case study that analyzed case records of women with hypertension in pregnancy admitted in a public maternity teaching hospital in 5 years was carried out and season-wise incidence was determined. Results: During the 5 year study period the incidence of hypertension in pregnancy was 10.08% and among them HELLP syndrome was 1.23%. The mean age of patients was 28.8 ± 5.05 years. Occurrence was commoner in primigravida (61%). Although most of the cases were after 28 weeks of pregnancy, three cases (10.07%) presented prior to this period of pregnancy. There was a trend suggesting seasonal influence on complication with HELLP being more common in monsoon and winter. The overall maternal death rate was 18% and the maximum in women with disease occurring prior to 28 weeks. Conclusions: HELLP syndrome was seen more commonly during monsoon and winter. Occurrence of maternal death was higher if the disease manifested before 28 weeks of pregnancy.