Medical knowledge, Patient Education
HELLP Syndrome
HELLP Syndrome
HELLP syndrome is a problem that affects pregnant women. In most cases, pregnant women have highblood pressure (hypertension) and protein in their urine (proteinuria) before they develop HELLP syndrome.
HELLP syndrome usually develops near the end of a pregnancy, but it can also develop right after childbirth. The condition is life-threatening to both the mother and baby.
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H – Haemolytic anaemia, haemolysis. This refers to the destruction of blood cells.
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EL – Elevated liver enzymes. This is a sign of liver damage.
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LP – Low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that help stop bleeding.
What are the causes?
The cause of this condition is not known.
What increases the risk?
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You are pregnant with more than one baby.
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You have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease.
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Any of these things happened during a previous pregnancy:
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You had pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
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Your baby did not grow as expected.
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Your baby was born prematurely.
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Your placenta separated from your uterus (placental abruption).
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Your baby died before birth (stillbirth).
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What are the signs or symptoms?
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Pain in the upper right abdomen.
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Pain in the shoulder, neck, and upper body.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Feeling sick.
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Headache.
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Visual disturbances.
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Swelling of the hands, face, legs, and feet.
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Sudden weight gain.
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High blood pressure.
How is this diagnosed?
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A complete blood count.
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A liver or kidney function test.
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A measurement of the salts and other chemicals in your body (electrolytes).
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A blood coagulation test.
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A measurement of protein in the urine.
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Checking your blood pressure.
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Ultrasounds.
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Monitoring of your baby’s heart rate.
How is this treated?
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Receiving an infusion of magnesium sulfate before delivery. Magnesium sulfate is a medicine that helps prevent seizures.
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Receiving medicines to lower and control blood pressure. These may be given if your blood pressure is too high.
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Receiving steroid hormones (corticosteroids) to help your baby’s lungs mature faster.
During your treatment, you and your baby will be monitored and your conditions will be managed.
How is this prevented?
If you are at risk for pre-eclampsia, after 12 weeks of pregnancy your healthcare provider may recommend that you take one low-dose aspirin (a dose of 81 mg) each day during your pregnancy.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
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You gain more weight than expected.
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You have headaches.
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You have nausea or vomiting.
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You have abdominal pain.
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You feel dizzy or light-headed.
Get help right away if:
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You have a seizure.
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You develop chest pain or shortness of breath.
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You have changes in your ability to speak or move your body.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem, which is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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HELLP syndrome is a problem that affects pregnant women.
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HELLP syndrome usually develops during the end of a pregnancy, but it can also develop right after childbirth.
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This condition is treated by delivering the baby as soon as possible.
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During your treatment, you and your baby will be monitored and your conditions will be managed.
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Contact your healthcare provider if you gain more weight than expected, feel dizzy or light-headed, or have headaches, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
