HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious condition (a form of preeclampsia ) that occurs during pregnancy or just after delivery. HELLP stands for:
HELLP involves three types of problems:
The causes of HELLP syndrome are unknown. The syndrome occurs in about 4 of every 1,000 pregnancies.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Most women who get HELLP have blood pressure problems before HELLP develops.
Risk factors for HELLP syndrome:
Some women may have no symptoms at all.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in obstetrics.
Tests may include:
Your doctor may send you to a hospital that can provide special care for pregnant women.
Treatment options include the following:
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.
In some cases of HELLP, transfusions of platelets or red blood cells are used to increase the number of these cells in the blood.
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Sick Kids
http://www.sickkids.ca/
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://sogc.medical.org/
References:
Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Practice Bulletin, No 33, January 2002
HELLP syndrome and your pregnancy. American Family Physician website. Available at: http//www.aafp.org/afp/990901ap/990901b.html. Accessed August 3, 2005.
Padden MO. HELLP syndrome: recognition and perinatal management. Am Fam Physician . 1999;60:829-36, 839.
Preeclampsia/high blood pressure. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/188_1054.asp . Accessed August 3, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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