HELLP syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a dangerous condition when pregnant women experience interference with red blood cells, impaired liver function, and low platelets. HELLP syndrome is usually experienced by pregnant women aged over 34 years or have a history of preeclampsia.

HELLP syndrome is an abbreviation of three main conditions that occur in sufferers, namely rupture of red blood cells or hemolysis (H), liver damage or elevated liver enzymes (EL), and decreased platelet count or low platelets count (LP). This syndrome is rare and dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the fetus.

HELLP syndrome generally occurs in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy . However, in rare cases, HELLP syndrome can occur before entering the 3rd trimester or even within 48 hours to 1 week after delivery.

Causes of HELLP Syndrome

The cause of HELLP syndrome is not known with certainty. However, it has been suggested that HELLP syndrome is triggered by preeclampsia or eclampsia. Another trigger is antiphospholipid syndrome , which is a condition that causes blood clots.

The following factors can also increase the risk of pregnant women suffering from HELLP syndrome:

Suffering from hypertension
Over 35 years old
Experiencing obesity
Have a history of preeclampsia or eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
Have diabetes
Suffering from kidney disease

Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome

Common signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

Pain in the upper right abdomen
Fatigue
Swelling of the face or arms
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Nosebleed

When to see a doctor

Immediately check with your doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by:

Severe headache
Blurred vision
Severe stomach pain
Hard to breathe
seizures

Symptoms of HELLP syndrome can mimic common signs of pregnancy, such as headaches, nausea, and body aches. Therefore, routine pregnancy control needs to be carried out so that doctors can immediately detect and provide treatment if HELLP syndrome occurs.

Diagnosis of HELLP Syndrome

The doctor will conduct questions and answers regarding the symptoms that are felt. After that, the doctor will carry out a physical examination and check the condition of the fetus.

To determine whether the patient has HELLP syndrome, the doctor will carry out the following examinations:

Blood tests , to check red blood cells, platelets, and liver function
Urine test, to check the level of protein in the urine, which is often high in people with HELLP syndrome
Gynecological ultrasound, to check the condition of the fetus
Cardiotocography (CTG), to check the fetal heart rate

HELLP Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for HELLP syndrome depends on the gestational age and the severity of the symptoms experienced by the patient. However, basically the baby must be removed from the womb immediately so that the lives of the mother and baby are saved.

At a gestational age of less than 34 weeks, the doctor will focus on the maturation of lung function in the fetus. Next, it will be decided whether the delivery procedure can be carried out or not.

The following are treatments for HELLP syndrome that can be given by doctors, before the delivery process is ready:

Complete rest in the hospital, with regular supervision by doctors and nurses
Monitor the condition of the fetus closely
Blood transfusion given when the number of red blood cells is below normal
Administration of drugs, such as corticosteroids to accelerate the maturation of the fetal lungs, antihypertensive drugs, to anticonvulsant drugs such as magnesium sulfate

HELLP syndrome sufferers will be directed to have a normal delivery, especially in patients with healthy cervix and gestational age that has reached 34 weeks. Caesarean section will be avoided because of the risk of causing bleeding due to too low platelet count.

HELLP syndrome complications

HELLP syndrome that is not treated immediately can cause complications, such as:

Strokes
Torn liver
Acute kidney failure
Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs)
Continuous bleeding during labour
Placenta detached prematurely ( placenta abruption )
Death of mother or baby

Prevention of HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is difficult to prevent, because the cause is not known with certainty. The best way that can be done is to maintain health before and during pregnancy. In addition, there are other efforts that can be made, such as: