OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the predictive value of platelet counts on umbilical artery Doppler investigations and perinatal well being in women with HELLP syndrome.
MATERIAL-METHOD:
Seventy-two patients with HELLP syndrome were retrospectively included. Two groups regarding initial platelet counts were formed: ≤100000/μL (Group 1, n=22) and >100000/μL (group 2, n=50). Systole/diastole (S/D) ratio and presence of absent or reverse end-diastolic flow (AREDF) on umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry were recorded. Routine non-stress test (NST) were performed. The two groups were compared for umbilical arter Doppler results, non-reactive NST incidence, and perinatal mortality values, using Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-Square test, and Fisher’s exact test.
RESULTS:
RESULTS: Groups were comparable considering umbilical artery S/D >= 5 (p=0.36) or presence of AREDF (p=0.72), non-reactive NST (p=0.66) and perinatal mortality incidences (p=0.88). Decreased platelet counts (≤100000/μL) had low sensitivity (35.7%) and positive predictive value (22.7%) for predicting subsequent perinatal mortality.
CONCLUSION:
Initial platelet values seem to be unrelated with NST results, umbilical artery blood flow parameters, and perinatal mortality in HELLP syndrome.
Keywords: platelet, umbilical artery, doppler investigations, perinatal mortality