Hypertensive disorders: HELLP: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Hypertensive disorders: HELLP

Sample item

Which set of findings defines HELLP syndrome?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets

HELLP stands for Haemolysis (schistocytes, raised LDH), Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets (below 100,000/mm3). Patients have epigastric pain and may be normotensive. Management is stabilisation and delivery, with magnesium sulphate for seizure prophylaxis.

Option by option

  • A. Hypertension, eclampsia, low platelets, proteinuria and oedema

    This is not the definition.

  • B. Hypotension, elevated lactate and low platelets

    This does not describe HELLP.

  • C. Hyperemesis, elevated LFT, leucocytosis and pyrexia

    This is not the definition.

  • D. Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (correct)

    Correct. This is the definition of HELLP.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is D, Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. HELLP stands for Haemolysis (schistocytes, raised LDH), Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets (below 100,000/mm3).

Why is "Hypertension, eclampsia, low platelets, proteinuria and oedema" not the answer?

This is not the definition.

Why is "Hypotension, elevated lactate and low platelets" not the answer?

This does not describe HELLP.

Why is "Hyperemesis, elevated LFT, leucocytosis and pyrexia" not the answer?

This is not the definition.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypertensive disorders: HELLP in OBG. Patients have epigastric pain and may be normotensive. Management is stabilisation and delivery, with magnesium sulphate for seizure prophylaxis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hypertensive disorders: HELLP?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.