In a woman with HELLP syndrome, which of the following is the MOST reliable laboratory indicator of disease severity and risk of adverse maternal outcome?

• A Platelet count nadir ✓
• B Serum LDH level
• C Degree of proteinuria
• D Serum uric acid level

Explanation

The Mississippi classification of HELLP syndrome stratifies severity primarily by platelet count: Class I (<50,000/µL), Class II (50,000–100,000/µL), and Class III (100,000–150,000/µL). Platelet count nadir correlates most strongly with maternal morbidity including liver capsule rupture and DIC. LDH is elevated in hemolysis but platelet count remains the most clinically actionable severity marker. Proteinuria degree does not reliably predict HELLP severity.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.