Understanding HELLP Syndrome: Key Laboratory Findings for Diagnosis

Which of the following combination of lab findings is most suggestive of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome of pregnancy? A. Decreased total bilirubin, elevated aspartate aminotransferse and alanine aminotransferase > 500 U/L, decreased hemoglobin B. Increased total bilirubin, elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels < 500 U/L C. Schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase > 500 U/L D. Schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels < 500 U/L

C. The patients present with nonspecific symptoms of weight gain, right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomitting. Jaundice may or may not be present.

The combination of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome of pregnancy is also known as HELLP syndrome. The laboratory findings that are most suggestive of HELLP syndrome are:

C. Schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase > 500 U/L

Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells that are a direct result of hemolysis. Thrombocytopenia refers to low platelet count. Elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) indicate liver damage, which can occur in HELLP syndrome. When AST and ALT levels are greater than 500 U/L, it suggests severe liver involvement.

Option A has a decreased total bilirubin, which is not consistent with hemolysis. Option B has an increased total bilirubin, which could suggest liver involvement, but the AST and ALT levels are not high enough to indicate severe liver damage. Option D has all the necessary components of HELLP syndrome, but the AST and ALT levels are not high enough to suggest severe liver damage. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

More Answers: