Prevalence of HELLP Syndrome in Association with Preeclampsia at Gweru Provincial Hospital 2024–2025

Abstract

HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets) is a severe form of preeclampsia that poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Despite medical advancements, HELLP syndrome remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood in many healthcare settings, leading to delays in intervention and adverse outcomes. This research aimed to bridge the gap in knowledge by examining clinical indicators, risk factors, and effective management strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment. The objectives of the study were; to determine the prevalence of HELLP syndrome in pregnant women admitted at Gweru Provincial Hospital, identify the risk factors associated with HELLP syndrome, and evaluate current screening and management practices related to HELLP syndrome in maternity care. This study employed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design based on retrospective review of medical records from Gweru Provincial Hospital from 2024-2025. The prevalence of HELLP syndrome in pregnant women admitted at Gweru Provincial Hospital was found to be 17.4%. The data above showed that as the number of patients with HELLP syndrome and have family history of the syndrome were increasing with the age and were the most prevalent with 24 pregnant women which constituted 72.7% of the total HELLP cases. The results showed that chronic hypertension was very much associated with HELLP syndrome with 91.0% patients had chronic hypertension and HELLP syndrome. Also the study indicated a significant correlation between advanced maternal age, family history of preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, and chronic hypertension with the incidence of HELLP syndrome. While AST/GOT and platelet count are more effective screening tools for HELLP syndrome than ALT/GPT, the management of this condition required an approach that considered individual patient factors. The study recommended that Gweru Provincial Hospital should implement targeted screening programs for older pregnant women and improving access to prenatal care services to ensure early detection and management of potential complications especially HELLP syndrome.