Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are one of the most common complications of 
pregnancy, but one of the most serious expressions of this pathology is HELLP 
syndrome. The HELLP syndrome is characterized by the presence of hypertension 
disorder more a triad: microangiopathic hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and 
low platelet count. Patient with HELLP syndrome is associated with increased 
maternal risk complications such as: cerebral hemorrhage, retinal detachment, 
hematoma/ hepatic rupture, acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular 
coagulation, placental abruption and therefore a maternal death. For all these 
reasons it is recommended to search for findings of HELLP syndrome in patients 
with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The main clinical confusion of HELLP 
syndrome is acute fatty liver of pregnancy, however there are parameters that 
help correct identification. The presence of HELLP syndrome involves a rapid 
termination of pregnancy and the administration of corticosteroids does not 
improve maternal morbidity and mortality but may help raise the platelet count, 
thus decreasing the need for transfusion and shorten hospital stay. Much of the 
decline in maternal morbidity and mortality associated with hypertensive 
disorders of pregnancy is in proper diagnosis and effective management of HELLP 
syndrome.