Objective: HELLP syndrome is a complication of severe preclampsia and eclampsia with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Hemolysis is characterized by a decrease in platelet count and an increase in liver enzymes. Cases may require follow-up in intensive care unit.

Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 17 cases of HELLP Syndrome followed in the intensive care unit of Kartal Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital between 2010-2017. 

Results: The mean values of days of hospitalization for HELLP syndrome were 6.1 ± 23, age was 28.54 ± 4.61 years, APACHE II score was 13.15 ± 4.87, Systolic Artery Pressure was 176.62 ± 31.31 mmHg and Diastolic Artery Pressure was 96, 46 ± 16,23. The laboratory results were: hemoglobin; 10.0 ± 12.2 mg / dL, AST: 75.2 ± 19.9 IU / L, ALT: 83.7 ± 113.1 IU / L, urea: 44.0 ± 55.2 mg / dL, creatinine: 1,2 ± 1,3 mg / dL, LDH: 6130 ± 131 IU / L, platelet count: 114,500 ± 68,500 mm3, albumin: 2,32 ± 0,51 g / dL and bilirubin: 1,6 ± 0 , 6 mg / dL. 11 patients received erythrocyte and 8 patients received platelet suspension. Mechanical ventilation was performed in 5 patients, hemodiafiltration in 2 patients and plasmapheresis in 1 patient. 3 patients lost their life because of multiple organ failure.

Conclusion: HELLP Syndrome is one of the leading obstetric causes of hospitalization in intensive care units and has high maternal morbidity and mortality. We think that the mortality and morbidity rate will be decreasing rapidly with early diagnosis and intensive care unit follow up.

Keywords: Intensive care, obstetric, HELLP syndrome.

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Yucel Yuce, M.D.

University of Health Sciences Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital,

Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey

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