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HELLP SYNDROME
What is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP stands for: Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. It is an acronym for a severe complication of preeclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy), which occasionally occurs late in pregnancy.
What are the symptoms?
Nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and headache are all symptoms which may be associated with HELLP syndrome.
What causes HELLP Syndrome?
The combination of a breakdown of red blood cells in conjunction with elevated liver enzymes (which indicates liver damage) and low platelet count (which indicates impaired blood clotting ability) can cause problems during and after labor. HELLP Syndrome occurs in approximately 10% of pregnant women with eclampsia or preeclampsia. No one knows exactly what causes HELLP Syndrome to develop.
How is HELLP Syndrome diagnosed?
Physical examination with show a tender, enlarged liver. Liver function tests may be abnormal. HELLP may be misdiagnosed as hepatitis, gallbladder disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
How is HELLP Syndrome treated?
Women with HELLP Syndrome may deliver by cesarean section unless their cervix is dilated enough to permit a quick vaginal delivery. Prompt delivery of the infant is essential because liver function may rapidly deteriorate with this condition.
Thomas G. Stovall, M.D.
Dr. Stovall is a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee and Partner of Women's Health Specialists, Inc.
Date Published: 2000-09-21
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505