HELLP Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
HELLP syndrome is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, and poses a serious risk to both mother and child. The syndrome has a series of symptoms.
These are thought to be related to complications related to preeclampsia or eclampsia. Given how dangerous the syndrome can be, it is important that women know the signs and are on their guard if they show any symptoms.
What is HELLP Syndrome?
The word HELLP is an abbreviation that stands for the following: (H) hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells; (EL) elevated liver enzymes; and (LP) low platelet count.
It is often associated with preeclampsia, but there have also been cases where preeclampsia has not been diagnosed.
The syndrome affects an estimated 0.1% of all pregnant women. This number rises to 15% in women suffering from high blood pressure. It usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, and is more common in the weeks before birth.
The causes of HELLP syndrome are unknown to experts. However, women belonging to the following groups are more likely to develop it:
- Women with blood clotting disorders, liver disease and high blood pressure.
- White women over 25 years.
- Women who have suffered from preeclampsia or eclampsia.
- Women who have had problems during previous pregnancies.
These risk factors can undoubtedly help to make a correct diagnosis of this syndrome, which is crucial. In many cases, doctors mistake the syndrome for flu, hepatitis, lupus or other conditions.
The symptoms of HELLP syndrome
The symptomatology of HELLP syndrome is very broad and varies with each case that arises. It is often confused with preeclampsia and other diseases.
The general symptoms are as follows:
- Acute and persistent headache, vomiting, nausea and a feeling of indigestion
- Sensitivity in the stomach, especially in the upper left side, because it involves bloated liver
- High blood pressure accompanied by vision changes
- General discomfort and acute fatigue
- Generalized edema and proteins in urine
- In acute cases, HELLP syndrome also includes nosebleeds and bleeding gums, epilepsy, seizures, muscle pain and other symptoms.
Because the symptoms may be similar to flu symptoms , your doctor will need to order a special blood test to diagnose it. It is also important to test to check the liver enzymes in all pregnant women, whether they are showing symptoms or not.
The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome
To determine if you have been affected, your doctor must take blood samples. These determine possible hemolytic anemia, liver symptoms or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). This condition can occur in women during and after pregnancy.
At the same time, the syndrome can mean high blood pressure, but it does not have to. Doctors can also perform tests to determine the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and bilirubin.
Once the diagnosis has been made , the patient is admitted to hospital for frequent check-ups, both by mother and child. It is best to stabilize the blood level and be close to immediate medical attention.
In most cases, the treatment consists of rest, and in extreme cases, doctors may need to perform a caesarean section and terminate the pregnancy.
The complications of HELLP syndrome
The complications depend on how soon the diagnosis is made. The most common treatment difficulties include:
- Seizures : These occur as a result of decreased blood flow.
- Bleeding : Given the breakdown of red blood cells, which leads to anemia and complicates coagulation.
- Renal impairment : Retinal detachment, pulmonary edema, liver damage, difficulty breathing, detachment of the placenta.
It is impossible for the fetus to avoid the consequences of this syndrome. In most cases, it is about starting childbirth or performing a caesarean section. In some cases, infants can suffer from fetal distress, blood diseases, low birth weight, respiratory problems and even death.
Is there a way to prevent HELLP syndrome?
There is no way to prevent it, but there are measures you can take to reduce the risk.
These measures include regular check-ups before the birth, including tests that show how stable the pregnant woman’s health is. Before pregnancy, you should preferably exercise, review your diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In summary, HELLP syndrome is a serious condition that requires medical attention. An early diagnosis can make a big difference, so be sure to see your doctor if you have any symptoms.
