Resumo

PARRA- RAMIREZ, Pablo  e  BECKLES- MAXWELL, Mario. Diagnóstico y Manejo Oportuno del Síndrome de HELLP. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2005, vol.47, n.1, pp.07-14. ISSN 0001-6002.

The HELLP syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets is a major complication of pregnancy. Ten percent of pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia and eclampsia are affected by HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome has been described as firts appearing from the mid second trimester of pregnancy until severe days postpartum. Approximately one third of patients will have their first manifestation of HELLP syndrome diagnosed postpartum. Of the two thirds of women who are first diagnosed with HELLP syndrome antepartum, 10% will be identified before 27 weeks, 20% in pregnacies beyond 37 weeks, and the majority, 70%, occurring between 27 and 37 weeks gestation. The maternal mortality has been reported to be as high as 24% and perinatal mortality can range as high as 30-40%. The early diagnosis and treatment of HELLP syndrome remains problematic for the obstetric health care provider. The non-especific signs and symptoms of this disorder early in the disease process make the accurate diagnosis difficult and delays early treatment, which has the best prognosis for both maternal and perinatal outcome. The management of the pregnancy complicated by HELLP syndrome requires early recognition and the institution of the appropriate therapy.

Palavras-chave : Embarazo; hipertensión arterial; síndrome de HELLP.