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HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication affecting blood and liver, typically occurring in the third trimester or shortly after childbirth, with higher risk in older women and those with certain health conditions. It is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, with symptoms similar to preeclampsia. Treatment usually involves delivery of the baby, along with medications to manage symptoms and monitor health until the fetus matures.

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HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication affecting blood and liver, typically occurring in the third trimester or shortly after childbirth, with higher risk in older women and those with certain health conditions. It is characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, with symptoms similar to preeclampsia. Treatment usually involves delivery of the baby, along with medications to manage symptoms and monitor health until the fetus matures.

Uploaded by

gennyduranmedrano94
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complications that mainly affects your blood and liver.

It
usually occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy (between 28 to 40 weeks) but can occur
anytime in the second half of pregnancy (from 20 weeks onwards). HELLP syndrome can also
develop in the seven days after childbirth.

Women are more likely to experience HELLP syndrome if they:


● Are age 35 or older

● Have obesity

● Are pregnant with twins or other multiples

● Have diabetes

● Have chronic high blood pressure

● Had preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome in a previous pregnancy

● Were previously pregnant with twins or other multiples

● Have a family history of preeclampsia or HELLP

The name HELLP syndrome stands for the three signs of the disease:

● H: Hemolysis, breaking down of red blood cells (that carry oxygen from your lungs to
the rest of your body).
● EL: Elevated liver enzymes (chemicals that speed up body reactions, like breaking
down proteins).
● LP: Low platelet count (parts of your blood that help with clotting).

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of HELLP syndrome?

HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia may have similar symptoms. You may notice symptoms of
HELLP syndrome during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.

Is preeclampsia the same as HELLP?


HELLP is usually considered a severe form of preeclampsia, but some experts consider it a
different disease.

Preeclampsia leads to high blood pressure (hypertension) and proteinuria (high levels of
protein in your pee). HELLP syndrome typically occurs with preeclampsia, but you can also
have preeclampsia without HELLP.

Signs and Symptoms of HELLP syndrome:

o Abdominal, chest or shoulder pain, especially in the right upper side


o Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
o Headache that won't go away
o Pain when breathing deeply
o Bleeding
o Changes in vision
o Swelling, especially of the face or hands
o Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or gasping for air

Babies may experience:


● Low birth weight

● Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

● Low platelet count, which may cause severe bleeding

● Death

What causes HELLP syndrome?

There’s no known cause of HELLP syndrome. It sometimes gets misdiagnosed because it


causes symptoms that are similar to other, more common conditions.

Management and Treatment

How is HELLP syndrome treated?

If you’re 34 weeks or more in pregnancy, or if your symptoms are severe, your healthcare
provider typically recommends delivery as soon as possible. Delivery is the only solution to treat
the condition completely. This may mean the fetus is born prematurely. After your baby is born,
HELLP syndrome usually goes away within a few days.

Other things your healthcare provider can do to treat HELLP syndrome until the fetus
matures include:

● Medication to lower your blood pressure.

● A blood transfusion to treat low platelet levels.

● Magnesium Sulfate prevent seizures.

● Corticosteroids to help the lungs of the fetus develop.

● Blood tests to monitor your liver function and platelet count.

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