This severe variant of preeclampsia is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.

This severe variant of preeclampsia is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.

• A. HELLP syndrome
• B. Eclampsia
• C. DIC
• D. Preeclampsia with severe features

Answer: (A)

Recognizing HELLP syndrome, a severe variant of preeclampsia, is about matching the specific triad: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. Hemolysis arises from microangiopathic destruction of red blood cells due to endothelial dysfunction in pregnancy, so lab findings typically show elevated LDH and indirect bilirubin with possible schistocytes on the blood smear. Liver involvement occurs because the hepatic microvasculature is damaged, leading to hepatocellular injury and thus elevated transaminases (AST/ALT), and sometimes right upper quadrant pain. Platelets drop because of consumption in the setting of widespread endothelial injury, increasing the risk of bleeding. This particular combination is distinct from other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: eclampsia involves seizures; DIC is a generalized coagulopathy with bleeding and clotting abnormalities; preeclampsia with severe features includes severe hypertension or organ involvement but does not require the full HELLP triad. So the described set of findings best fits HELLP syndrome.

Recognizing HELLP syndrome, a severe variant of preeclampsia, is about matching the specific triad: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. Hemolysis arises from microangiopathic destruction of red blood cells due to endothelial dysfunction in pregnancy, so lab findings typically show elevated LDH and indirect bilirubin with possible schistocytes on the blood smear. Liver involvement occurs because the hepatic microvasculature is damaged, leading to hepatocellular injury and thus elevated transaminases (AST/ALT), and sometimes right upper quadrant pain. Platelets drop because of consumption in the setting of widespread endothelial injury, increasing the risk of bleeding. This particular combination is distinct from other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: eclampsia involves seizures; DIC is a generalized coagulopathy with bleeding and clotting abnormalities; preeclampsia with severe features includes severe hypertension or organ involvement but does not require the full HELLP triad. So the described set of findings best fits HELLP syndrome.