Effect of corticosteroids on HELLP syndrome: a case report
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D. Schlembach
Abstract
The HELLP syndrome is associated with a high rate of prematurity, which is the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of prolongation of pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome. Until now the role of an additive pharmacological regimen, and particularly the role of corticosteroids, is still not clear. We report a case of a successful prolongation of a pregnancy complicated by HELLP syndrome and note a direct relationship with application and withdrawal of corticosteroids.
A 26-year old primigravida was admitted with HELLP syndrome in the 25th week of gestation. We commenced a therapy with 40 mg methylprednisolone i.v. once daily, with clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters improving within two days. On day 6 we discontinued steroid medication with a consecutive deterioration of all biochemical data and clinical symptoms. Corticosteroids were recommenced and within two hours an improvement of all symptoms and laboratory data was observed. Overall we were able to prolong the pregnancy for 33 days.
This case report underlines the beneficial effect of corticosteroids in patients with HELLP syndrome. Thus steroids might be helpful for postponing deliveries in very preterm gestation and for stabilizing the maternal status.
Copyright (c)2000 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Author Index
- Subject Index
- Contents
- Ellis van Creveld syndrome (chondroectodermal dysplasia, MIM 22550) in three siblings from a non-consanguineous mating
- Effect of maternal weight gain on infant birth weight
- Neonatal echocardiograms of macrosomic neonates
- Effects of surfactant treatment on gas-exchange and clinical course in near-term newborns with RDS
- Adolescent pregnancy: positive perinatal outcome at a community hospital
- Prostaglandin induced cortical hyperostosis in neonates with cyanotic heart disease
- Management of cervical cerclage at term: remove the suture in labor?
- Expedited human immunodeficiency virus testing of mothers and new-borns with unknown HIV status at time of labor and delivery
- The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia: new aspects
- Peripartum hysterectomy
- Wishes and expectations of pregnant women and their partners concerning delivery
- Prevalence and risk factors for prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM) at or near term in an urban Swedish population
- “Shake hands”; Diagnosing a floppy infant – Myotonic dystrophy and the congenital subtype: a difficult perinatal diagnosis
- Effect of corticosteroids on HELLP syndrome: a case report
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Author Index
- Subject Index
- Contents
- Ellis van Creveld syndrome (chondroectodermal dysplasia, MIM 22550) in three siblings from a non-consanguineous mating
- Effect of maternal weight gain on infant birth weight
- Neonatal echocardiograms of macrosomic neonates
- Effects of surfactant treatment on gas-exchange and clinical course in near-term newborns with RDS
- Adolescent pregnancy: positive perinatal outcome at a community hospital
- Prostaglandin induced cortical hyperostosis in neonates with cyanotic heart disease
- Management of cervical cerclage at term: remove the suture in labor?
- Expedited human immunodeficiency virus testing of mothers and new-borns with unknown HIV status at time of labor and delivery
- The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia: new aspects
- Peripartum hysterectomy
- Wishes and expectations of pregnant women and their partners concerning delivery
- Prevalence and risk factors for prelabor rupture of the membranes (PROM) at or near term in an urban Swedish population
- “Shake hands”; Diagnosing a floppy infant – Myotonic dystrophy and the congenital subtype: a difficult perinatal diagnosis
- Effect of corticosteroids on HELLP syndrome: a case report
