What is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP Syndrome occurs in 4 percent to 12 percent of the women who have preeclampsia. It is one of the most severe forms of preeclampsia. HELLP stands for: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and lowered platelets. HELLP Syndrome most often affects the liver, causing stomach and right shoulder pain. HELLP Syndrome is most dangerous because it can occur before you exhibit the classic symptoms of preeclampsia. It is often mistaken for the flu or gallbladder problems. It is most important that you listen to your body: if you don’t feel right, check with your health professional. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health professional immediately. An excellent source of support and information is the HELLP Syndrome Society started by Stephen and Jennifer Bohach after the loss of their daughter, Taylor Hope.
HELLP syndrome is characterized by liver compromise during or after a pregnancy, complicated by hypertension and/or preeclampsia. The letters stand for: • Hemolytic anemia (when red blood cells break down) • Elevated Liver transminases (sign of liver problems) • Low Platelet count (causing problems in blood clotting). This condition usually appears in the third trimester and most commonly in first-time pregnancies, but it can begin as early as 20 weeks and recur in subsequent pregnancies. A simple explanation of the disease is that it is a very severe form of preeclampsia. About 15 percent (in one study) of women with preeclampsia go on to develop HELLP. Signs of preeclampsia may include: swelling in hands, feet and face; protein found in the urine; higher than normal blood pressure; visual changes like spots; flashes of light; blurring; headache; and pain in the area above the stomach. Seizures (eclampsia) may result. HELLP syndrome is diagnosed by blood tests for clotting factors and
