HELLP syndrome – what it is, symptoms, management

HELLP syndrome – what is it?

HELLP syndrome is a syndrome of disease symptoms most often affecting women in III. trimester of pregnancy. It can be associated with organ dysfunction, among other things. liver or kidney. It is considered a complication of hypertension in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia, although it is recognized that 20% of women who develop the aforementioned syndrome do not have hypertension.

HELLP syndrome – symptoms

The name of the syndrome in elaboration specifies its most common symptoms, i.e. H- hemolysis, EL- elevated liver enzymes and LP- low platelets. The characteristic symptom of HELLP syndrome is epigastric pain. In addition, there may be headache, nausea or visual disturbances. Acute renal failure and intravascular coagulation syndrome DIC can also develop.

HELLP syndrome – management

It is very important to correctly diagnose HELLP syndrome. If symptoms appear, it is necessary to perform tests such as blood count, liver parameters and coagulation system. Besides, in case of epigastric pain, an abdominal ultrasound is recommended to rule out other possible causes of the discomfort, such as biliary colic.

If HELLP syndrome is diagnosed, the pregnancy should be terminated as soon as possible, and patients are qualified for a cesarean section. For pregnancies before 34. Week, the mother-to-be may receive a course of steroid therapy to accelerate fetal lung development.

HELLP syndrome – complications

Complications of HELLP syndrome can affect both mother and child. The development of eclampsia, premature separation of the placenta or, in extreme cases, pulmonary edema, cerebral edema and hematoma of the liver in the pregnant woman can occur. In turn, in a child, HELLP can lead to intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labor and even death. It is important to remember that it is possible for women with pre-eclampsia to develop HELLP syndrome even after delivery.