HELLP Syndrome  is a group of symptoms that occur in pregnant women.

H–hemolysis

EL–elevated liver enzymes

LP–low platelet counts

It is believed to affect about 0.2 to 0.6 percent of all pregnancies. Even though it is believed that HELLP Syndrome is connected to Preeclampsia, sometimes this condition is diagnosed without preeclampsia. HELLP Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as

• gallbladder disease
• flu or other viral disease
• lupus flare
• idiopathic/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• hepatitis

What is the cause of HELLP Syndrome ?

The exact cause of this pregnancy complication is unknown. HELLP syndrome occurs in about  0.2 to 0.6 percent of all pregnancies and in about  10 to 20% of all women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia.

It  usually occurs before pregnancy week 37 or within the week  after the baby is born. Most women with high blood pressure get preeclampsia before HELLP Syndrome  but sometimes HELLP is the first sign of preeclampsia.

Am I at risk ?

 
These factors put you at high risk of this syndrome

• preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension
• previous history HELLP syndrome
• being Caucasian
• women aged 25 and over
• multiparous ( given birth two or more times )

What are the symptoms ?

 
Some of the common symptoms of HELLP syndrome includes :

• upper right abdominal pain and tenderness
• nausea and vomiting that gets worse
• headaches
• fatigue
• edema
• blurry vision
• protein in urine
• nosebleed
• seizures and convulsion (these are rare )

How is HELLP syndrome diagnosed ?

 
To  diagnose this condition, the doctor may perform a physical  examination which may reveal abdominal tenderness, enlarged liver, swellings in the leg and high blood pressure.
 
Blood tests may reveal high liver enzymes and low platelets. A CT scan may show bleeding in the liver.
 
Tests that may be done to check for the bay’s health include fetal non stress and ultrasound.
 

How is HELLP syndrome treated ?

 
The best treatment for HELLP syndrome is delivery of the baby. Most symptoms and side effects will disappear  2 to 3 days after delivery .
 
If your baby is less than 34 weeks of gestation, his lungs will be evaluated for maturity. Other treatment options include the following :

• corticosteroids to help the babies lungs develop rapidly
• bed rest at the hospital for full monitoring
• blood pressure medication
• magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
• fetal monitoring and testing
• blood transfusion if platelet is low

If your baby is over 34 weeks gestation or symptoms are getting worse, you will be delivered. Women in this situation used to be delivered by cesarean section but now they are allowed a trial of labor TOL . Surgery possess more problems as a result of blood clotting problems due to low platelet count.

Are there an complications associated with this condition ?

 
Complications you may face with HELLP syndrome include the following :

• pulmonary edema
• placental abruption
• raptured liver hematoma
• acute renal failure
• adult  respiratory Distress syndrome (lung failure)
• infant  respiratory Distress syndrome (lung failure)
• intrauterine growth restriction
• blood clotting problems that result in hemorrhage

Can it be prevented ?

 
There is no known way to prevent HELLP syndrome. Since  it is believed to be related to preeclampsia,  healthy diet, exercising and healthy blood pressure may reduce your risk.
 
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