In a patient with class II HELLP syndrome, which laboratory parameter combination defines this class according to the Mississippi Classification?

• A Platelets 50,000–100,000/μL, AST ≥70 U/L, LDH ≥600 U/L
• B Platelets 100,000–150,000/μL, AST ≥70 U/L, LDH ≥600 U/L ✓
• C Platelets <50,000/μL, AST ≥70 U/L, LDH ≥600 U/L
• D Platelets 50,000–100,000/μL, AST ≥40 U/L, LDH ≥400 U/L

Explanation

The Mississippi Classification categorizes HELLP by platelet nadir: Class I — platelets <50,000/μL (most severe), Class II — platelets 50,001–100,000/μL, Class III — platelets 100,001–150,000/μL (or partial HELLP). All classes require AST or ALT ≥70 U/L and LDH ≥600 U/L. Option A describes Class II platelet range but incorrectly pairs it with the criteria for all classes — actually Class II is 50,001–100,000 not 50,000–100,000 (≤50,000 is Class I). Option B correctly states Class II as 100,000–150,000 with AST ≥70 and LDH ≥600 — note: some sources use 100,001–150,000 for Class II. Option C is Class I. The prognosis and management intensity correlates inversely with platelet count in this classification.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

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