Disseminated intravascular coagulation and the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets in severe preeclampsia.

To clarify the role of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in women with the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, serial coagulation studies were performed prospectively in 18 patients. A semiquantitative DIC scoring system was used retrospectively to augment the diagnostic confidence of coagulopathy. At the time of admission to the hospital, three patients showed no evidence of DIC, eight had suspected DIC, and seven had manifest DIC.