HELLP syndrome

HELLP is an acronym that refers to a syndrome in pregnant and postpartum individuals characterized by

Hemolysis

, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low

Platelet

 count. It probably represents a severe form of

preeclampsia

, but the relationship between the two disorders remains controversial. HELLP may be a separate disorder from preeclampsia because as many as 15 to 20 percent of patients with HELLP do not have antecedent signs or symptoms of preeclampsia. Birth eventually leads to resolution of signs and symptoms of HELLP. Maternal complications are primarily related to bleeding. Neonatal complications are primarily related to the gestational age at birth, which is commonly preterm.
This serious pregnancy complication can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby. Early diagnosis, monitoring, and often prompt delivery are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Symptoms

Fatigue

common

High blood pressure

common

Sore abdomen

  • Upper right quadrant of abdomen

common

Abdominal pain

  • In the upper right region, Located in middle upper region

  • Severe

common

Swelling or lump in eyelid

  • Both sides, Both eyes

  • Painless

or Enlarged arms or hands

or Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

or Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

common

Feel like vomiting

or Throwing up

common

Headache

common

Rapid heart rate

or Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Blurred vision

or Transient visual loss

or Blindness

or Eye flashing lights

or Double vision

Ecchymoses or bruising

or Blood in urine

or Nosebleed

or Bleeding gums

Yellow eyes or skin

Diarrhea

Risk factors

Pregnancy

  • Less than 37 weeks, Last month of pregnancy

or Postpartum

Given birth two or more times

High blood pressure during pregnancy

or Eclampsia

or Previous history of HELLP syndrome

Treatment
Managing HELLP syndrome may include taking medications to lower your blood pressure and prevent seizures. Some women require a blood transfusion. Ultimately, treatment for HELLP syndrome is delivery. If you have HELLP syndrome, you may need to deliver your baby early. Your provider may give your baby corticosteroids to help their lungs develop. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to induce labor. Or you may need to deliver with a cesarean birth (C-section).
Recommended specialist

If you have HELLP syndrome, then a visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as possible.

Contact an

Obstetrician-gynecologist

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