Short-term outcome in infants with birth weights less than 1750 g born to mothers with HELLP syndrome.

Premature infants born to mothers with HELLP syndrome were reported to have a less favourable outcome compared to infants with uncomplicated maternal history. We investigated the short term outcome in 21 premature infants with birth weights less than 1750 g born to mothers with HELLP syndrome. Median birth weight was 1050 g (range 420 g-1750 g), corresponding gestational age 29 weeks (range 26-35 weeks). Mechanical ventilation for RDS was necessary in 15 infants. Intracranial hemorrhage was diagnosed in 2 infants, 1 of the surviving infants developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Acute renal failure was observed in 3 infants immediately after birth. Mortality was attributed to progressive respiratory failure in 2 patients (b.w. 420 g and 490 g) and persisting acute renal failure in 1 patient (b.w. 520 g) Leucocytopenia (less than 9000/mm3) was observed in 13 infants and thrombocytopenia (less than 115000/mm3) was noted in 4 infants during the first day. Eighteen infants survived. We conclude, that the short term outcome in infants born to mothers with HELLP syndrome is not as poor, as previously reported.