[Risk of recurrence in HELLP syndrome].

Abstract

The recurrence risk of HELLP-syndrome is reported to be between 2.6% and 24%. But yet, there are no accurate case reports about this topic available. In a retrospective study, 25 patients, which had suffered from a pre partum HELLP-syndrome, were interviewed about possible subsequent pregnancies. In 7 patients 8 pregnancies were found, which began between 5 and 55 months after the HELLP-syndrome. No recurrence of a HELLP-syndrome was observed in these 7 patients. Although in 71% a hypertension had been present during the HELLP-syndrome, only 1 patient had an elevated blood pressure in the subsequent pregnancy. Whilst all of the patients with HELLP-syndrome had been delivered by cesarean section, 50% of the patients were delivered vaginally in the subsequent pregnancy. There was no evidence of maternal or neonatal complications related to HELLP-syndrome. Nevertheless, even if the recurrence risk seems to be low, pregnancies after HELLP syndrome should be observed carefully.