FREQUENCY OF HELLP SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS AT KHALIFA GUL NAWAZ TEACHING HOSPITAL, BANNU.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70905/bmcj.06.02.0535Keywords:
HELLP Syndrome, , Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, Maternal OutcomesAbstract
Background: HELLP syndrome is a severe form of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It is associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality and contributes significantly to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Objectives: To determine the frequency of HELLP syndrome among pregnant women with hypertensive disorders and to assess its association with selected maternal and clinical characteristics.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital from January to June 2024, involving 161 women diagnosed with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia after 20 weeks of gestation or within 10 days postpartum. Women with pre-existing hepatic, renal, or hematologic disease were excluded. Data on maternal age, gestational age, parity, seizure presentation, and prior hypertensive disorders were collected. HELLP syndrome was diagnosed using standard laboratory criteria. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests.
Results: HELLP syndrome was identified in 41.0% (n=66) of patients. The mean maternal age was 28.4 ± 4.5 years and mean gestational age was 36.7 ± 1.8 weeks. HELLP syndrome showed no significant association with maternal age (p=0.43), gestational age (p=0.64), parity (p=0.54), antenatal versus postnatal presentation (p=0.83), or prior hypertensive disorder (p=0.76). A near-significant association was observed between HELLP syndrome and presentation with seizures (p=0.07).
Conclusion: HELLP syndrome was frequent among women with hypertensive disorders in this setting; however, it was not significantly associated with demographic or routine clinical characteristics. This indicates that HELLP syndrome may occur even in women without obvious risk factors, underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely laboratory screening for early detection.
