HELLP Syndrome
The etiology and pathogenesis of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome remain unclear. Some theories center on the explanation that abnormal placentation results in placental ischemia and the production of a circulating toxin that causes endothelial cell injury.[5] The injury is believed to cause vascular constriction within multiple organ systems, activation of the coagulation system, increased capillary permeability, and platelet activation with platelet consumption in the microvasculature, all resulting in hypertension, proteinuria, edema, and thrombocytopenia. Why certain women with severe preeclampsia develop HELLP syndrome is unclear, but it has been postulated that these women may have more endothelial injury with greater activation of the coagulation system. Immunologic factors have also been proposed as the underlying initiator of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Maternal cell-mediated immune response to pregnancy with cytokine-mediated endothelial damage may be an important factor.
HELLP syndrome occurs across all ethnicities, races, socioeconomic classes, and age ranges. It is seen in both primigravidas and multiparous patients. Presenting symptoms include epigastric or right upper quadrant pain (65%), nausea and vomiting (50%), malaise (90%), and nonspecific viral syndrome-like symptoms; some patients may present with hematuria or gastrointestinal bleeding.[3] Hypertension and proteinuria may be absent or only slightly abnormal. The differential diagnosis is vast and includes acute fatty liver of pregnancy, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, gastroenteritis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and viral hepatitis.
HELLP Syndrome
OTHER RELATED INFORMATION
The etiology and pathogenesis of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome remain unclear. Some theories center on the explanation that abnormal placentation results in placental ischemia and the production of a circulating toxin that causes endothelial cell injury.[5] The injury is believed to cause vascular constriction within multiple organ systems, activation of the coagulation system, increased capillary permeability, and platelet activation with platelet consumption in the microvasculature, all resulting in hypertension, proteinuria, edema, and thrombocytopenia. Why certain women with severe preeclampsia develop HELLP syndrome is unclear, but it has been postulated that these women may have more endothelial injury with greater activation of the coagulation system. Immunologic factors have also been proposed as the underlying initiator of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Maternal cell-mediated immune response to pregnancy with cytokine-mediated endothelial damage may be an important factor.
HELLP syndrome occurs across all ethnicities, races, socioeconomic classes, and age ranges. It is seen in both primigravidas and multiparous patients. Presenting symptoms include epigastric or right upper quadrant pain (65%), nausea and vomiting (50%), malaise (90%), and nonspecific viral syndrome-like symptoms; some patients may present with hematuria or gastrointestinal bleeding.[3] Hypertension and proteinuria may be absent or only slightly abnormal. The differential diagnosis is vast and includes acute fatty liver of pregnancy, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, gastroenteritis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and viral hepatitis.
HELLP Syndrome
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