HELLP Syndrome

From WikiGenetics

1 Name of Condition
2 Definition
3 Description, Signs and Symptoms
4 Inheritance
5 Demographics
6 Diagnosis
7 Treatment and Management
8 Prognosis
9 Resources
10 References

[edit] Name of Condition

HELLP Syndrome. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and Low Platelet count.

[edit] Definition

HELLP Syndrome is a condition characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet count, which poses risks to pregnant women and their unborn children. It is often associated with preeclampsia. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells become fragmented. The liver also malfunctions and in the most dangerous cases, the mother's liver may begin to hemorrhage. In many cases the child is able to be delivered, although sometimes prematurely, and the mother and child will survive, however in about 1% of cases the mother will die, and in anywhere from 10-60% of the cases, the child will not survive, dependent on the condition of the mother.

[edit] Description, Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of HELLP include

Progressive nausea and vomiting
Upper abdominal pain, indicating enlarging of the liver
Headache
Vision problems
Edema, or swelling, which is also common in up to 30% of normal pregnancies

[edit] Inheritance

[edit] Demographics

Women who are older than 25 are more likely to experience HELLP than women under 25. Caucasians are also more susceptible.

[edit] Diagnosis

[edit] Treatment and Management

The typical course of treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as is possible and safe. The longer the woman carries the baby, the higher her risks are of developing life-threatening complications. Once the baby is delivered, she may undergo blood transfusions to rectify the hemolysis and low platelet count, and other medications to help her liver recover, such as corticosteroid treatments.

[edit] Prognosis

With adequate treatment the prognosis is good, although women who experience HELLP one time have an increased risk of developing it in future pregnancies as well.