HELLP syndrome is a situation that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by hemolysis, which corresponds to the destruction of red blood cells, alteration of liver enzymes and decreased number of platelets, which can put both mother and baby at risk.
This syndrome is usually related to preeclampsia or severe eclampsia, which can make it difficult to diagnose and delay the start of treatment.
- It is important that HELLP syndrome be identified and treated as soon as possible to avoid complications such as kidney failure.
- Liver problems.
- Acute lung edema or death of pregnant women or infants.
- For example.
HELLP syndrome is curable if it is immediately identified and treated as recommended by the obstetrician, and may be necessary, in more severe cases where a woman’s life is in danger, to terminate the pregnancy.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome are varied and usually occur between week 28 and 36 gestation, although they can also occur in the second trimester of pregnancy or, even in the postpartum period, being the main:
A pregnant woman with signs and symptoms of HELLP should seek immediate attention from the obstetrician or go to the emergency room, especially if she has preeclampsia, diabetes, lupus or heart or kidney problems.
If the woman has had HELLP syndrome and treatment has been done correctly, pregnancy can occur normally, especially since the recurrence rate of this syndrome is quite low.
Although the syndrome is less likely to develop again, it is important that the obstetrician closely monitors the pregnant woman to avoid changes during pregnancy.
The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome is made by the obstetrician based on the symptoms of the pregnant party and the results of laboratory tests, such as the blood formula, in which the characteristics of the red blood cells, the shape and quantity are checked., in addition to controlling the number of platelets. Learn to understand the blood formula.
In addition, your doctor recommends testing liver enzymes, also modified in HELLP syndrome, such as LDH, bilirubin, TGO and TGP, for example.See what tests evaluate your liver.
TREATMENT of HELLP syndrome is done with the woman admitted to the intensive care unit so that the obstetrician can constantly evaluate the course of pregnancy and indicate the best time and route of delivery, if possible.
Treatment of HELLP syndrome depends on a woman’s gestational age, and it is common for birth to be induced early after 34 weeks to prevent a woman’s death and baby’s suffering, which is immediately referred to the neonatal therapy unit.Intensive care unit to avoid complications.
When a pregnant woman is less than 34 weeks old, steroids can be injected into the muscle, such as betamethasone, to develop the baby’s lungs so that childbirth can progress; However, when a pregnant woman is less than 24 weeks pregnant, this type of treatment may not be effective and pregnancy needs to be terminated.Learn more about treating HELLP syndrome.