A prediction model for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome in pre-eclampsia with severe features

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the risk factors for patients with pre-eclampsia (PE) with severe features to develop hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and to design a prediction score model that incorporates these risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary university-affiliated medical center between 2011 and 2019. The study population comprised patients diagnosed with PE with severe features, divided into two groups: those with HELLP syndrome (study group) and those without (control group). A logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of HELLP syndrome. A predictive model for the occurrence of HELLP syndrome in the context of PE with severe features was developed using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Overall, 445 patients were included, of whom 69 patients were in the study group and 376 in the control group. A multivariate logistic analysis regression showed that maternal age <40 (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.13–5.33, P = 0.045), nulliparity (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.14–4.88, P = 0.042), mild hypertension (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.54–4.82, P = 0.019), epigastric pain (OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.92–7.23, P < 0.001) and placental abruption (OR = 6.38, 95% CI: 1.29–35.61, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for HELLP syndrome. A prediction score model reached a predictive performance with an area under the curve of 0.765 (95% CI: 0.709–0.821). Conclusion: This study identified several key risk factors for developing HELLP syndrome among patients with PE with severe features and determined that a prediction score model has the potential to aid clinicians in identifying high risk patients.