Absence of seasonal variation on the frequency of HELLP syndrome.
BACKGROUND
We wanted to determine the relationship between weather/seasonal conditions and the incidence/severity of HELLP syndrome.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with class 1 (platelet nadir < or = 50,000/microL), class 2 (platelet nadir > 50,000/microL but < or = 100,000/microL), and class 3 (platelet nadir > 100,000/microL but < or = 150,000/microL) HELLP syndrome, who had been treated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1992.


RESULTS
No seasonal differences were observed in the incidence or severity of pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
HELLP syndrome appears to occur throughout the year without any seasonal variation.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
E F
EF
Magann
S P
SP
Chauhan
J C
JC
Morrison
J N
JN
Martin
D005260:Female; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008922:Mississippi / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D014887:Weather