Why is HELLP syndrome a concern?

HELLP syndrome

In addition to the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy, which include poor blood flow to organs and possible seizures, HELLP syndrome can cause other problems. The breakdown of red blood cells may cause anemia, and blood clotting problems may occur.

A serious blood clotting complication called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may lead to severe bleeding or hemorrhage. Placental abruption (early detachment of the placenta) may also occur. Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) is also a serious complication.

Severe disease may place the mother and fetus in danger and it may be necessary to deliver the baby early to prevent further complications. Recovery from HELLP syndrome may take several days after delivery. HELLP syndrome is a serious disease and can be life threatening for both mother and her baby.

HELLP syndrome

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What is HELLP syndrome?

HELLP syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a serious complication of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure problems of pregnancy). It occurs in about 2 percent to 12 percent of women with high blood pressure of pregnancy. It usually develops before delivery, but may occur postpartum (after delivery) as well. HELLP syndrome consists of the following problems:

• hemolysis - red blood cells break down.
• elevated liver enzymes - damage to liver cells cause changes in liver function lab tests.
• low platelets - cells found in the blood that are needed to help the blood to clot in order to control bleeding.

HELLP syndrome

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HELLP Syndrome Information (Hellp Syndrome)

HELLP Syndrome

HELLP Syndrome basically begins with a client having flu-like symptoms as early as the middle of the second trimester to after the baby is born (about the first week postpartum). Blood pressure and proteinuria, cardinal signs of impending pre-eclampsia, may or may not be present.

Hemolysis may produce symptoms similar to those of anemia or hepatitis.

Elevated Liver Enzymes: HELLP Syndrome impairs liver function; levels may be elevated or may not be affected. These enzymes include aspartate aminotranaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT)

Right Upper quadrant pain is the result of the obstruction of blood flow in the liver. There may also be hyperbilirubinemia, thus making a misdiagnosis of hepatitis sometimes likely. Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Despondency
• Edema
• Bleeding gums (this is rare)
• Shortness of breath (due to pulmonary edema)
• Decreased placental perfusion
• IUGR (Intrauterine growth retardation of fetus)
• Maternal cerebral edema causing headaches and visual disturbances
• DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation - a disorder where anticoagulation and procoagulation effects exist at the same time causing an array of physical complications)

HELLP Syndrome may be misdiagnosed as hepatitis, gallbladder disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

HELLP Syndrome

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