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HELLP syndrome

 

HELLP syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in pregnant women who have:

  • H: hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells)
  • EL: elevated liver enzymes
  • LP: low platelet count

Causes

The cause of HELLP syndrome has not been found. It is considered to be a variant of preeclampsia. Sometimes the presence of HELLP syndrome is due to an underlying disease such as antiphospholipid syndrome .

HELLP syndrome occurs in about 1 to 2 out of 1,000 pregnancies. In women with preeclampsia or eclampsia , the condition develops in 10% to 20% of pregnancies.

Most often HELLP develops during the third trimester of pregnancy (between 26 to 40 weeks gestation). Sometimes it develops in the week after the baby is born.

Many women have high blood pressure and are diagnosed with preeclampsia before they develop HELLP syndrome. In some cases, HELLP symptoms are the first warning of preeclampsia. The condition is sometimes misdiagnosed as:

  • Flu or other viral illness
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
  • Lupus flare
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Fatigue or feeling unwell
  • Fluid retention and excess weight gain
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting that continues to get worse
  • Pain in the upper right or mid part of the abdomen
  • Blurry vision
  • Nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop easily (rare)
  • Seizures or convulsions (rare)

 

Exams and Tests

 

During a physical exam, the health care provider may discover:

  • Abdominal tenderness , especially in the right upper side
  • Enlarged liver
  • High blood pressure
  • Swelling in the legs

Liver function tests (liver enzymes) may be high. Platelet counts may be low. A CT scan may show bleeding into the liver. Excessive protein may be found in the urine.

Tests of the baby's health will be done. Tests include fetal non-stress test  and  ultrasound , among others.

 

Treatment

 

The main treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, even if the baby is premature. Problems with the liver and other complications of HELLP syndrome can quickly get worse and be harmful to both the mother and child.

Your provider may induce labor by giving you medicines to start labor, or may perform a C-section .

You may also receive:

  • A blood transfusion if bleeding problems become severe
  • Corticosteroid medicines to help the baby's lungs develop faster
  • Medicines to treat high blood pressure
  • Magnesium sulfate infusion to prevent seizures

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Outcomes are most often good if the problem is diagnosed early. It is very important to have regular prenatal checkups. You should also let your provider know right away if you have symptoms of this condition.

When the condition is not treated early, up to 1 of 4 women develop serious complications. Without treatment, a small number of women die.

The death rate among babies born to mothers with HELLP syndrome depends on birth weight and the development of the baby's organs, especially the lungs. Many babies are born prematurely (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy).

HELLP syndrome may return in up to 1 out of 4 future pregnancies.

 

Possible Complications

 

There can be complications before and after the baby is delivered, including:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). A clotting disorder that leads to excess bleeding (hemorrhage).
  • Fluid in the lungs ( pulmonary edema )
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver hemorrhage and failure
  • Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall ( placental abruption )

After the baby is born, HELLP syndrome goes away in most cases.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

If symptoms of HELLP syndrome occur during pregnancy:

  • See your provider right away.
  • Call the local emergency number (such as 911).
  • Get to the hospital emergency room or labor and delivery unit.

There is no known way to prevent HELLP syndrome. All pregnant women should start prenatal care early and continue it through the pregnancy. This allows the provider to find and treat conditions such as HELLP syndrome right away.

 

 

Open References

References

Esposti SD, Reinus JF. Gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders in the pregnant patient. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 39.

Sibai BM. Preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2017:chap 31.

 
  • Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia - illustration

    Preeclampsia is the development of swelling, elevated blood pressure, sudden and rapid weight gain and protein in the urine during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs in approximately 5% of the population.

    Preeclampsia

    illustration

    • Preeclampsia

      Preeclampsia - illustration

      Preeclampsia is the development of swelling, elevated blood pressure, sudden and rapid weight gain and protein in the urine during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs in approximately 5% of the population.

      Preeclampsia

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for HELLP syndrome

           
             

            Review Date: 8/7/2016

            Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda Center for Fertility, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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