OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare neonatal outcome after preterm delivery of 
infants whose gestation was complicated by the HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver 
enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome, partial HELLP syndrome, or severe 
preeclampsia.
STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the maternal and neonatal charts from 269 consecutive 
pregnancies complicated by the HELLP syndrome or severe preeclampsia managed at 
our perinatal center. The HELLP syndrome was defined by previously published 
laboratory criteria. Viable pregnancies were divided into 3 groups: HELLP 
syndrome, partial HELLP syndrome (at least 1, but not all 3, features of the 
HELLP syndrome), and severe preeclampsia (no features of the HELLP syndrome). 
Results were compared by means of chi2 analysis and Student t test where 
appropriate. Logistic regression was used to evaluate outcome variables at 
different gestational ages.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences in complications among the 3 
groups at each gestational age. There was, as expected, a significant decrease 
in morbidity and mortality rates with advanced gestational age.
CONCLUSIONS: In severe preeclampsia, neonatal morbidity and death are related to 
gestational age rather than to the presence or absence of the HELLP syndrome. 
Whether expectant management is safe for women with the HELLP syndrome requires 
further study.