In the Tennessee classification of HELLP syndrome, a patient with platelet count 68,000/mm³, LDH 680 U/L, and AST 90 U/L belongs to which class?

• A Class 1
• B Class 3
• C Partial HELLP
• D Class 2 ✓

Explanation

The Tennessee (Martin) classification grades HELLP by platelet nadir: Class 1 = platelets ≤50,000/mm³, Class 2 = platelets 50,001–100,000/mm³, Class 3 = platelets 100,001–150,000/mm³. This patient's platelet count of 68,000 falls in the 50,001–100,000 range, classifying her as Class 2. Class 1 carries the highest risk of maternal morbidity and mortality; LDH and AST elevations confirm full HELLP but class is determined by platelet nadir alone.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

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