Hellp Syndrome

What is HELLP syndrome?

HELLP stands for H emolysis, E levated L iver enzymes, and L ow P latelet count. HELLP syndrome (SIN-drohm) occurs in pregnancy, with preeclampsia (high blood pressure; weight gain) and eclampsia (high blood pressure; weight gain; convulsions). With HELLP syndrome, there may be bleeding and liver problems. These may seriously affect both the mother and her baby. This condition may occur before the end of pregnancy or even after delivery. HELLP syndrome is a serious condition that needs early treatment to prevent further harm to both mother and baby.

What causes HELLP syndrome?

Caregivers do not exactly know what causes HELLP syndrome. A problem in the cells that line blood vessels is thought to cause a series of events that triggers bleeding. This happens mostly in the liver, later causing liver injury. Pregnant women with high blood pressure have an increased chance of having this disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome?

Signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome may appear differently to different women. You may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

• Feeling sick to the stomach, with or without vomiting.
  
  
• Sudden pain in the abdomen (stomach) or on your right side just below the ribs.
  
  
• Headache.
  
  
• Swelling of the face and hands, feet and ankles.
  
  
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, or vagina. Blood in the stools may also be found.
  
  
• Feeling more tired and weak than usual.
  
  
• High blood pressure.

How is HELLP syndrome diagnosed?

You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Abdominal ultrasound: This test is done so caregivers can see the tissues and organs of your abdomen. Gel will be put on your abdomen and a small sensor will be moved across your abdomen. The sensor uses sound waves to send pictures of your abdomen to a TV-like screen.
  
  
• Blood tests: Blood tests are needed to look for bleeding and liver problems.
  
  
• Urine tests: Your urine may need to be checked to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition.

How is HELLP syndrome treated?

Treatment often depends on the severity of your HELLP syndrome, and the well-being of your baby. It also depends on how far along in your pregnancy you are. You may need one or more of the following:

• Delivery: Women who develop HELLP syndrome during pregnancy almost always have to deliver their babies early to prevent complications. This may be needed if your pregnancy is more than 34 weeks and if your health is at risk.
  
  
• Medicine:
  
  
  • Anticonvulsant medicine: This medicine is given to control seizures. Take this medicine exactly as directed.
    
    
  • Blood pressure medicine: This is given to lower your blood pressure. A controlled blood pressure helps protect your organs, such as your heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. Take your blood pressure medicine exactly as directed.
    
    
  • Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Blood transfusion: You may need a blood transfusion for certain medical conditions. You may also need a transfusion if you lose a large amount of blood during surgery. You may ask a family member or friend with the same blood type to donate blood for you. This is called directed blood donation. Many people are worried about getting AIDS, hepatitis, or West Nile Virus from a blood transfusion. The risk of this happening is rare. Blood banks test all donated blood for AIDS, hepatitis, and West Nile Virus. If you refuse a blood transfusion, your condition may get worse, and you may die.

Where can I find support and more information?

Having HELLP syndrome may be a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have HELLP syndrome may be hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings.

You may also want to join a support group with other people who have HELLP syndrome. Call or write the following for more information:

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  409 12th Street, SW
  Washington , DC 20090
  Phone: 1- 202 - 638-5577
  Web Address: http://www.acog.org
  

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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