HELLP syndrom is one of the forms of late gestosis. It is characterized by H (hemolysis), EL (elevated liver enzymes) and LP (low plateled count). This syndrom is a severe complication of pregnancy with high mortality. Maternal mortality amounts to 50 %. HELLP syndrom occurs as a rule from the 17th week of the pregnancy to the 6th day of the postpartum. (70 % before delivery, 30 % postpartum). Pathophysiology is not known exactly, perhaps it is caused by vascular lesion with multiple organ failure (above all of the liver) and by activation of coagulation. What most authors also consider as this syndrom are the cases without hemolysis (ELLP) or without decrease of trombocytes (HEL).

        Key words: late gestosis - maternal mortality - activation of coagulation