HELLP syndrome is a group of symptoms that most often appears in pregnant women. Little is known about the disease itself, and its symptoms are often confused with those of other diseases, making a quick diagnosis difficult. It is very important because late diagnosis of HELLP syndrome may contribute to the development of life-threatening complications for the mother and child. What are the causes and symptoms of HELLP syndrome? How is this rare disease treated?

HELLP syndromeis a life-threatening obstetric complication, usually considered a variant orcomplication of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy .

The combination of the first letters of the main features of the disease constitutes its name:

  • Hemolytic anemia, i.e. hemolysis (the transfer of hemoglobin to the blood plasma, caused by the destruction of red blood cells, i.e. erythrocytes)
  • ElevatedLiver enzymes - increase in liver enzymes, which indicates damage to the liver
  • LowPlatelet Count - thrombocytopenia, i.e. a low number of thrombocytes (platelets)

HELLP occurs on average in 1 in 1,000 pregnancies. In most cases, HELLP syndrome develops before weeks 35-37 of pregnancy, although it may appear up to a week after the baby is born.

HELLP syndrome: causes

The causes of the HELLP syndromeare not yet known, but doctors suspect that genetic and immunological factors have a significant influence on the onset of the disease.

HELLP syndrome: symptoms

The symptoms of HELLP syndromeare usually the first warning ofpre-eclampsia :

  • headache
  • visual disturbance
  • abdominal pain in the upper right side, where the liver is located
  • pain in the upper body (shoulder and neck)
  • fatigue
  • nausea and vomiting
  • increase in blood pressure
  • fluid retention and excess body weight

Seizures, convulsions or nosebleeds are very rare.

Sometimes symptoms of HELLP develop in the absence of pre-eclampsia.

CHECK>>PREGNANCY - a consequence of pre-eclampsia in womenpregnancy

HELLP Team: Diagnostics

The symptoms of HEELP are often misdiagnosed as influenza or other viral diseases, jaundice, cholecystitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (also known as Moschowitz disease), or hepatitis. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of the disease is necessary.

The first stage of diagnosis is a physical examination, during which the doctor may find tenderness in the abdomen, especially in the upper right, enlarged liver, high blood pressure, and swollen legs. It is an indication for laboratory tests, such as:

  • urine tests - a cause for concern is the high level of protein in the urine
  • liver function tests (liver enzymes) - if their amount is elevated, it may indicate an illness
  • blood tests - the disease is finally diagnosed if the erythrocyte and thrombocyte values ​​are lowered (the number of platelets below 100,000 / mm3)

Non-invasive prenatal examinations are also necessary

HELLP syndrome: treatment

The treatment for HELLP syndrome depends primarily on the stage of pregnancy. If the woman is over 34 weeks pregnant and her he alth deteriorates, it is recommended to induce labor or perform a caesarean section. The most effective method of avoiding complications related to HELLP syndrome is termination of pregnancy. Then most of the symptoms of HELLP syndrome disappear within 2-3 days after delivery. In pregnant women between 27 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, you can use:

  • blood transfusion (if your platelet count is too low)
  • treatment with corticosteroids - drugs that accelerate the development of the child's lungs
  • magnesium sulfate - to reduce the risk of seizures
  • drugs to lower high blood pressure

Zepsół HELLP: prognosis

Mortality among infants born to mothers with HELLP syndrome depends on the birth weight and development of the child's organs, especially the lungs. According to the experience of doctors, many babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy).

Without treatment, 1 in 4 women experience complications. A small number of them die (the risk is 1.1%). In turn, the probability of a child dying is 10-60% (depending on the stage of pregnancy, the stage of the disease and the time of starting treatment).

HELLP breakdown: complications

Untreated HELLP syndrome can contribute to life-threatening complications, such as:

  • premature detachment of placenta
  • swelling and / or insufficiencylungs
  • intravascular coagulation
  • acute renal failure (in a child)

Category:

Pregnant examinations