Hypertensive disorders: HELLP syndrome: 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 syndrome

Sample item

A woman at 35 weeks with epigastric pain has haemolysis, raised liver enzymes and low platelets. What is the definitive treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Delivery after stabilisation

HELLP is a severe form of pre-eclampsia that resolves only after delivery. Magnesium sulphate and blood pressure control are given, and platelets only if low enough for surgery or bleeding.

Option by option

  • A. Antihypertensives and expectant management for 4 weeks

    Prolonged expectant management risks hepatic rupture and abruption.

  • B. Delivery after stabilisation (correct)

    Correct. Delivery is the cure for HELLP.

  • C. Plasma exchange for all

    Plasma exchange is not routine.

  • D. Platelet transfusion alone

    Transfusion alone does not remove the cause.

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.

More OBG questions

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is B, Delivery after stabilisation. HELLP is a severe form of pre-eclampsia that resolves only after delivery.

Why is "Antihypertensives and expectant management for 4 weeks" not the answer?

Prolonged expectant management risks hepatic rupture and abruption.

Why is "Plasma exchange for all" not the answer?

Plasma exchange is not routine.

Why is "Platelet transfusion alone" not the answer?

Transfusion alone does not remove the cause.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypertensive disorders: HELLP syndrome in OBG. Magnesium sulphate and blood pressure control are given, and platelets only if low enough for surgery or bleeding.

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 syndrome?

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.