Clinical use of human hepatocyte growth factor in the early detection of HELLP syndrome.

The change in plasma concentration of human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) in pregnant women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme and low platelets) syndrome was investigated, and the following results were obtained. (1) The plasma concentration of hHGF in pregnant women did not change with the gestational stage. (2) The plasma concentration of hHGF in pregnant women with EPH (edema, proteinuria and hypertension) gestosis was 0.19 +/- 0.07 ng/ml and did not differ greatly from that in control pregnant women. (3) The plasma concentration of hHGF in pregnant women with HELLP syndrome was 1.79 +/- 0.35 ng/ml; it was increased prominently compared to control pregnant women. (4) The plasma concentration of hHGF in pregnant women with HELLP syndrome changed parallel to the clinical symptoms of the syndrome.