Object: To investigate the influence of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) pregnancies on the postpartal course and further development of the neonate. Methods: The postnatal course and further development up to 4 years of age of 43 infants after pregnancies complicated by HELLP syndrome were evaluated. 43 unexposed infants matched for gestational age and gender served as controls. Results: Small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates exhibiting hypoglycemia and hypoproteinemia during the first 4 weeks after birth were significantly more commonly observed in the HELLP group (p < 0.5). No other differences in the postpartal course or clinical outcome were detected. At the age of 4 years the gains in weight and length were significantly increased in the HELLP group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The postnatal course of newborns after HELLP pregnancies is influenced by low energy stores. Fetal programming toward a more efficacious GH-IGF-1 pathway may explain the faster postnatal catch-up growth of premature SGA infants born to mothers with HELLP syndrome.

Keywords:
HELLP syndrome, Newborn, small for gestation, Prematurity, Fetal programming, Insulin-like growth factor-1, Somatodin-C, Growth hormone, human
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
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