HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious condition (a form of preeclampsia) that occurs during pregnancy or just after delivery. HELLP stands for:
Hemolysis
Elevated
Liver enzymes (showing liver damage)
Low Platelet count
HELLP involves three types of problems:
Hemolysis—(the destruction of red blood cells) can lead to anemia (low red blood cells) and feeling tired.
High liver enzymes—liver enzymes are chemicals in the blood that show how well the liver is working. High levels of enzymes mean the liver has been damaged.
Low platelet count—since platelets are cells that help bleeding stop, a low level of platelets can lead to problems with bleeding too long.
Treatment options include the following:
Delivery
The only cure for HELLP syndrome is delivery of your baby. If your case is not severe and you are 34 weeks pregnant or less, your doctor may recommend trying other treatments until you reach 34 weeks of pregnancy. These treatments include strict bed rest, a low-salt diet, and drinking a lot of fluids.
Medications
Corticosteroids (to assist the fetal lungs to mature)
Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
Blood pressure medications, if your blood pressure is high
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This is quoted from our EmpowHer Encyclopedia:
HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious condition (a form of preeclampsia) that occurs during pregnancy or just after delivery. HELLP stands for:
Hemolysis
Elevated
Liver enzymes (showing liver damage)
Low Platelet count
HELLP involves three types of problems:
Hemolysis—(the destruction of red blood cells) can lead to anemia (low red blood cells) and feeling tired.
High liver enzymes—liver enzymes are chemicals in the blood that show how well the liver is working. High levels of enzymes mean the liver has been damaged.
Low platelet count—since platelets are cells that help bleeding stop, a low level of platelets can lead to problems with bleeding too long.
Treatment options include the following:
Delivery
The only cure for HELLP syndrome is delivery of your baby. If your case is not severe and you are 34 weeks pregnant or less, your doctor may recommend trying other treatments until you reach 34 weeks of pregnancy. These treatments include strict bed rest, a low-salt diet, and drinking a lot of fluids.
Medications
Corticosteroids (to assist the fetal lungs to mature)
Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
Blood pressure medications, if your blood pressure is high
How is your friend doing?
March 26, 2009 - 7:32pmThis Comment
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