HELLP syndrome
HELLP Syndrome
HELLP Syndrome (pronounced as "H-E-L-L-P") is a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered to be a variant of preeclampsia. Both conditions usually occur during the later stages of pregnancy, or sometimes after childbirth.
Etymology
HELLP is an acronym that stands for the different abnormalities that occur when a person has the condition:
- H (hemolysis, which is the breaking down of red blood cells),
- EL (elevated liver enzymes, which is a sign of liver damage),
- LP (low platelet count, which can prevent blood from clotting as it should).
Symptoms
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome may include feeling tired, retaining fluid (edema), proteinuria, and upper right abdominal pain. Headache, and vision problems may also occur. It can cause liver damage and problems with the body’s blood clotting system.
Causes
The exact cause of HELLP syndrome is not clear. However, it is commonly associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia, conditions that affect pregnant women and usually involve high blood pressure.
Treatment
The main treatment for HELLP syndrome is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, even if the baby is premature. Problems with the liver and other complications of HELLP syndrome can quickly become life-threatening for both the mother and baby.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on HELLP syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - HELLP syndrome
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