MRCP revision battle 21.7: Pre eclampsia and HELLP syndrome

Pre-eclampsia is defined as:

• gestational hypertension
• proteinuria
• occurring after 20 weeks gestation

Oedema is often a feature.
Possible symptoms include blurred vision, headache and abdominal pain.


Treatment is to lower blood pressure but ultimately the only way to treat pre-eclampsia which is advancing towards eclampsia (=fit) is to deliver the baby.




HELLP syndrome is a severe form of pre-eclampsia characterised by:

• haemolysis
• elevated liver enzymes
• low platelets

It complicates 10-15% of cases of pre-eclapsia.
Mortality is 20-25%


The treatment for eclampsia is IV magnesium sulphate


Now to the final battle of the day