What is hellp syndrome?
HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious complication that can occur during pregnancy or just after giving birth. It is characterised by a combination of the following:
* Haemolysis: the destruction of red blood cells
* Elevated liver enzymes: a sign of liver damage
* Low platelet count: a condition called thrombocytopenia
HELLP syndrome is considered a variant of pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy condition characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. However, HELLP syndrome can occur without pre-eclampsia.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome
HELLP syndrome can develop rapidly, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
* Severe headache
* Nausea and vomiting
* Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
* Swollen feet, hands, and face
* Blurred vision
* Increased sensitivity to light
* Fatigue
* Confusion
* Seizures
Causes of HELLP syndrome
The exact causes of HELLP syndrome are not fully understood, but some risk factors include:
* Pre-eclampsia
* Chronic high blood pressure
* Kidney disease
* Diabetes
* Obesity
* Multiple pregnancy
Treatment for HELLP syndrome
HELLP syndrome is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Treatment typically involves:
* Hospitalisation: Close monitoring and management in a hospital is necessary to prevent complications and ensure the safety of the mother and baby.
* Delivery of the baby: In most cases, the best treatment for HELLP syndrome is to deliver the baby as soon as possible. If the pregnancy is less than 34 weeks, the healthcare team may recommend medications to help the lungs of the baby develop before delivery.
* Medications: Medications may be given to control blood pressure, prevent seizures, and increase the platelet count.
* Blood transfusions: Blood transfusions may be necessary to replace red blood cells and platelets lost due to haemolysis and thrombocytopenia.
* Plasma exchange: In severe cases, plasma exchange may be recommended to remove harmful substances from the blood and improve liver function.
Prognosis of HELLP syndrome
With prompt treatment, most cases of HELLP syndrome are manageable, and both the mother and baby can make a full recovery. However, it can be a serious condition, and there is a small risk of complications such as liver failure, kidney failure, seizures, and stroke.