title: Maternal and foetal outcome in HELLP syndrome at tertiary care hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine maternal and foetal outcome in patients of Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme and Low Platelet Cont syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  The descriptive case series was conducted at the Gynae Unit II of Civil Hospital, Karachi, over a period of 12 months in two episodes; first from December 28, 2006, to February 28, 2007, and then from September 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008. It comprised 40 consecutive women with pre-ecampsia and eclampsia along with altered platelet count who met the syndrome criteria. A pre-designed proforma was administered for data collection. Maternal and foetal outcomes were noted. SPSS 10 was used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 40 mothers, cesarean section was the most common outcome (n=24; 60%). Pulmonary oedema was found in 2 (5%) cases, acute renal failure in 10 (25%), disseminated intravascular coagulation in 6 (15%), and abruptio placenta in 5 (12.5%). Intrauterine growth restriction as a foetal outcome was observed in 18 (45%) cases. Pre-term birth was the result in 20 (50%) cases, and perinatal mortality was high (n=23; 57.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management and delivery of HELLP syndrome patients should be performed at tertiary care centres, where highly trained obstetrician, neonatal intensive care unit personnel and Multi-disciplinary facilities are available. Correct diagnosis and timely intervention can decrease the risk of maternal and perinatal mortality.
authors.affiliation: Obs & Gynae Unit-IlI, Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, DIMC, Karachi.
authors.forename: Nigar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sadaf
authors.affiliation: Obs & Gynae Unit-IlI, Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, DIMC, Karachi.
authors.forename: Gulfishan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haq
authors.affiliation: Obs & Gynae Unit-IlI, Dow University Hospital, Ojha Campus, DIMC, Karachi.
authors.forename: Shazia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shukar-ud-Din
mesh_terms: D000037:Abruptio Placentae / Q000453:epidemiology; D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D001034:Apgar Score; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000453:epidemiology; D017359:HELLP Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D054238:Perinatal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires