[HELLP syndrome--metamorphosis of pre-eclampsia].

During an eight year period, 100 patients with the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome were treated at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of 2 University Hospitals (Technische Universität München and Universität Göttingen). The clinical treatment concepts, which were used in common at the two hospitals, are presented and differ from the common clinical management of pre-eclampsia. The results and therapy concepts are compared and critically reviewed. In recent years, the number of diagnoses and cases of HELLP syndrome has been increasing. Case reports, epidemiological statistics and maternal and perinatal mortality rates indicate a change of the "Gestalt" of preeclampsia due to the HELLP syndrome and its complications.