HELLP syndrome is believed to be a severe form of preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension. It’s unfortunate that the name is so similar to the word “help” because HELLP is a serious complication of pregnancy that can lead to the death of the mother and/or the fetus. The only definitive treatment is delivery of the baby. It occurs in 0.5-0.9% of all pregnancies.
Dr. Louis Weinstein, who discovered the syndrome in 1982, named the condition based on the problems it causes. The name stands for:
– H: hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells
– EL: elevated liver enzymes
– LP: low platelet count
In about 70% of cases, the syndrome developed between weeks 27 and 37 of pregnancy. Diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms can represent other conditions. Prompt diagnosis is important because of the need to deliver the baby as quickly as possible.
HELLP symptoms and possible treatments
The symptoms are many and varied: vision changes, fatigue, malaise, sudden weight gain, and swelling of the hands, legs, or face. The key signs include hypertension and protein in the urine. A doctor may also look for signs of an enlarged liver, abnormal liver function, bleeding in the liver, and a high blood platelet count.
If rapid delivery of the baby carries high risks, other treatments may include a blood transfusion to increase low platelet count, steroids to help the baby’s lungs mature, and anti-hypertension medications. Babies who
are born prematurely may suffer similar complications as those who are born pre-term for other reasons. But if a baby weighs less than two pounds at birth, it is more likely that longer periods of hospitalization, or even
ventilator care, will be required.
The chances of developing HELLP syndrome increases with a past history of the condition. One study found that the risk in future pregnancies is about 18%. HELLP is a rare, but serious, complication of pregnancy that your doctor needs to address promptly to protect the baby, mother, and future pregnancies.
Finally, read more about HELLP here: What is HELLP Syndrome?
And, read more of our birth injury coverage here.
