|
HELLP syndrome Causes and Risks:
HELLP syndrome occurs in approximately 10% of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia . It may occur long before a pregnancy reaches term (for example, HELLP at 30 weeks gestation). HELLP may occur without an associated elevation of blood pressure . Frequently, the syndrome is misdiagnosed as hepatitis , gallbladder disease , idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura , or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura .
Prevention:
Early and continuing prenatal care to facilitate early identification and treatment of conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia may help to prevent the disorder.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Examination shows upper abdominal tenderness , especially in the right upper quadrant. The liver may be enlarged.
Liver function tests (liver enzyme tests) may be abnormal.
Treatment:
Delivery of the infant is essential because liver function rapidly deteriorates in this condition.
Prognosis:
High neonatal death (20 to 25%), usually because of prematurity , is associated with this condition.
Complications:
Hemorrhage may occur within the mother's liver. Permanent liver damage may occur if delivery is delayed.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider or obstetrician if symptoms occur during pregnancy . HELLP syndrome can rapidly progress to an emergency condition!
|
