Definition
HELLP syndrome is a rare and severe preeclampsia that happens during pregnancy or just after delivery. It stands for:
- H emolysis
- E levated
- L iver enzymes
- L ow
- P latelet count
HELLP includes three problems:
- Hemolysis is the break down of red blood cells. This can lead to anemia.
- Liver enzymes are chemicals in the blood that show how well the liver is working. High levels of enzymes mean the liver has been damaged.
- Platelets help stop bleeding. A low level of platelets can lead to problems with bleeding.
Red Blood Cells |
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The Liver |
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Risk Factors
This problem is more common in White people over the age of 25 years. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Two or more previous deliveries
- Preeclampsia or HELLP in a prior pregnancy
Symptoms
Some people may not have symptoms. Others may have:
- Pain in the upper right belly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Problems seeing
- Bleeding from the gums
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include a complete blood count and liver function tests.
Treatment
The only cure is delivery of your baby. Your doctor may try other treatments until you reach 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Medicines may be given to:
- Help the fetal lungs mature
- Prevent seizures in the mother
- Lower blood pressure in the mother
In some people, transfusions of platelets or red blood cells are used to raise the number of these cells.
RESOURCES
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org
American Pregnancy Association http://americanpregnancy.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Sick Kids—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.sickkids.ca
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada https://sogc.org
References
Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hemolysis-elevated-liver-enzymes-low-platelets-hellp-syndrome. Accessed August 24, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 07/2021
- Update Date: 08/24/2021