What is HELLP?
HELLP is a liver and blood disorder that can occur during pregnancy. Some doctors believe HELLP is a variant of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is high blood pressure during pregnancy that can cause organ damage. HELLP stands for: • H – “Hemolysis,” the breaking apart of red blood cells that causes anemia. • EL – “Elevated Liver enzymes,” substances that normally occur in the liver but leak out when the liver is damaged by HELLP. • LP – “Low Platelets.” Platelets are fragments of bone marrow cells that are found in the blood. They are responsible for forming clots. Who gets HELLP syndrome? HELLP affects about 1 in every 250 pregnancies. It is more common in women who have preeclampsia. But HELLP can happen during any pregnancy. HELLP syndrome is more likely in women who: • Are older then age 25 • Are white • Have had children before • Have had a problem pregnancy before What causes HELLP? The exact cause of HELLP is not known. Some factor damages the lining of blood vessels and activates pl
