HELLP Syndrome

HELLP is a serious medical condition found in pregnant women, usually in the third trimester of pregnancy (last 3 months). HELLP syndrome comprises hemolysis, i.e. break down of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. It is said to be an off-shoot of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, i.e. hypertension during pregnancy. Usually, it is found before the birth of the baby, however sometimes it can also occur after the delivery. HELLP syndrome is also common in women who have had the same disease during their earlier pregnancy.

Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome

One of the common symptoms found in women who have HELLP syndrome are pain or tenderness in the upper-right side of the stomach, headache, nausea and vomiting. The reason for this abdominal pain may be an enlarged liver. It usually happens that HELLP syndrome gives rise to high blood pressure, causing seizures and also the presence of high level of protein in the urine. A pregnant woman may also experience swelling in her hands and face. Hemolysis may cause blood clot and anemia, resulting in excessive bleeding. Tiredness is also a symptom that is associated with HELLP syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is quite difficult to detect whether a pregnant woman has HELLP syndrome because the symptoms of this syndrome are commonly found in all pregnant woman. There have been cases where the women having these symptoms were incorrectly diagnosed to have gallbladder disease, hepatitis (liver inflammation) or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. A physician can diagnose HELLP syndrome with the help of various tests to check blood pressure, functioning of the liver, red blood cells, platelet count, and a urine test for determining the presence of proteins in it.

Treatment for HELLP syndrome will largely depend upon the patient's health condition and medical background. If the condition of the pregnant woman is not very serious, it is likely that the doctor would advise her to take complete bed rest at home or at the hospital. If anemia is too high, the patient is likely to be given blood transfusion, and also the fetus would be closely monitored to see if the syndrome has any effects on the baby's movements. However, if HELLP syndrome becomes very severe, the only recommended treatment is delivery, even if the gestational period is not completed. Most of the time the syndrome disappears gradually after the birth of the child. Usually, the babies born to women who have had HELLP during pregnancy do not have any health problems as such.

It is very important to diagnose HELLP syndrome at its early stage to avoid any complications for the pregnant woman and the child. There have been cases where the situation had become life-threatening due to hemorrhage or early separation of placenta from the womb. Adequate knowledge about HELLP syndrome and its symptoms can ensure the safety of the mother and her baby.