A 30-year-old primigravida at 34 weeks with severe pre-eclampsia requires betamethasone for fetal lung maturation. Which statement about corticosteroid use in HELLP syndrome is correct?

• A Betamethasone reverses the underlying pathophysiology of HELLP syndrome
• B Corticosteroids should be avoided in HELLP syndrome as they worsen hepatic rupture risk
• C Dexamethasone is indicated for accelerating fetal lung maturity in HELLP syndrome
• D Corticosteroids transiently improve maternal platelet counts but do not improve perinatal outcomes ✓

Explanation

Corticosteroids may transiently improve platelet counts and liver enzymes in HELLP syndrome, but studies show they do not improve maternal or perinatal outcomes. Betamethasone (not dexamethasone) is used for fetal lung maturation. Corticosteroids do not reverse HELLP pathophysiology. Evidence does not support an increased hepatic rupture risk with corticosteroids in HELLP.

Reference: Chesley's Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.