HELLP Syndrome

• Class I HELLP Syndrome 

• Class II HELLP Syndrome

• Class III HELLP Syndrome

• Partial or Incomplete Expression

• Complete Expression

• Medical history of preeclampsia
• Previously having this syndrome
• mothers older than 35 years 
• Abnormal placental development
• Increase in body mass index and metabolic disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome, etc
• Family history of HELLP syndrome
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• The incidence of twins

• Hepatic dysfunction, which is the liver dysfunction
• Thrombocytopenia is the earliest sign of coagulation present in all HELLP syndrome cases that occurs due to low platelet count in the blood.
• Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in people suspected of preeclampsia.

• You will be taken to the lab and your blood samples were taken to check for abnormalities such as helmet cells, bur cells, etc.
• A test to ascertain your fibrin metabolite level and antithrombin will be done
• Your personal medical history will be examined.
• Your family medical history will be checked for anyone with HELLP syndrome.
• You will also some scanning tests such as ultrasound tests, magnetic resonance imaging, etc to check your liver function.
• Urine test to check for abnormal proteins.

Symptoms

HELLP SYNDROME SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of HELLP syndrome manifest fully during the last trimester of pregnancy that is the last three months of pregnancy although in some cases it could before then or after then. The symptoms vary with individuals. 

The symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

• General body discomfort
• Severe epigastric pain or pains at the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (abdominal pains).
• Nausea.
• Vomiting. 
• Backache.
• Anemia.
• Increase in blood pressure.
• Severe back, shoulder ache.
• Dizzying sight or unclear vision.
• Seizures.
• Swellings especially at the hands and feet.
• Excessive weight gain.
• Pains when breathing deep.
• Spontaneous bleeding due to liver capsule rupture in severe cases.

Causes

HELLP SYNDROME CAUSES

HELLP syndrome cause has not yet been discovered although it has been observed to be associated with conditions such as preeclampsia or eclampsia.

HELLP syndrome pathophysiology is quite unclear but its mechanism resembles that of an endothelial cell injury and other conditions such as acute kidney injury and thrombocytopenia purpura.

FAQ

• What is the full meaning of HELLP syndrome?

It stands for the medical criteria that must be fulfilled. If not all at least two, before one is considered to have this condition. These include:

H: Hemolysis of red blood cells

EL: Elevated liver enzymes

LP: Low platelet count.

• How can I prevent HELLP syndrome during pregnancy?

Since the cause is not yet known, prevention of HELLP syndrome is relatively hard but some adjustments can be made to reduce the risk of having HELLP syndrome. This involves regular exercise, healthy diets containing vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins

• What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is characterized by an abnormal increase in blood pressure and protein level in the urine. It is observed to occur in 5 to 8 % of pregnant cases

• Can HELLP syndrome occur without signs of preeclampsia?

HELLP syndrome can occur without alarming signs of preeclampsia, hence making it quite difficult to differentiate from normal pregnancy symptoms and diagnose.

• Is HELLP syndrome life-threatening?

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening clinical condition and without early detection and treatment could lead to the death of both mother and fetus.