(HELLP syndrome) Few Mother Know about this Deadly Pregnancy Complication

(HELLP syndrome) Few Mother Know about this Deadly Pregnancy Complication | photo credit by: Janko Ferlič's @itfeelslikefilm @unsplash

(HELLP syndrome) Few Mother Know about this Deadly Pregnancy Complication

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | Healthbiztips

For many women across the globe, pregnancy is a new chapter in life--the beginning of parenthood, yet few are aware that becoming pregnant can predispose to certain complications unique to childbearing such as the rarely talked about HELLP syndrome--a condition marked by the destruction of red blood cells, drop in platelet count which makes one prone to bleed, and damage to the liver.

Women suffering from HELLP syndrome have decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood which is detrimental especially in pregnancy when the mother's body has to support both herself and the developing fetus. IUGR or intrauterine growth retardation is a risk of this serious pregnancy complication.

Moreover, HELLP syndrome can bring about the failure of crucial organs such as the liver, which serves a myriad of essential tasks in the body such as the detoxification of blood. Kidneys may also be affected which can lead to low urine output causing the build-up of excess fluid in the body which can be noted as swelling of the extremities and pulmonary congestion.

Furthermore, the chances of abruption placenta or the sudden premature separation of the placenta is heightened in women with HELLP syndrome, which can lead to blood loss.


What is HELLP syndrome?

HELLP syndrome stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It is a rare life-threatening condition that happens to a small portion of women with preeclampsia or eclampsia (high blood pressure) during the third trimester of pregnancy or after giving birth.

HELLP syndrome is considered a more severe variant of preeclampsia. In preeclampsia, the woman can experience high blood pressure, spillage of protein in the urine, and damage to the liver and/or kidneys whereas in eclampsia, the woman develops seizure. Meanwhile, in HELLP syndrome, there is marked destruction of red blood cells, elevated liver function tests, and low platelet count.


Cause:

Although the exact cause of HELLP syndrome is unknown, certain underlying factors can raise a woman's chance of developing the disease such as:

• Becoming pregnant for the first time
• Hypertension (chronic or gestational)
• Pregnant mother ages 25 years and above
• Caucasian

Early detection:

This syndrome threatens the survival of both the mother and the unborn child so early detection and prompt action is necessary. It is crucial for every pregnant women to comply with their prenatal check-ups to detect any possible complications before it makes a sharp turn for the worse.

Watch out for the manifestations of HELLP syndrome which includes:

• High blood pressure
• Right upper abdominal pain
• Edema (swelling of extremities)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Blurring of vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding
• Seizure

How to treat HELLP syndrome:

HELLP syndrome is managed in a hospital setting with close coordination from the members of the health care team.

• In order to prevent further deterioration brought about by this pregnancy complication, the medical team usually initiates a plan of action to deliver the baby through normal spontaneous delivery or cesarean section (when unstable) in the soonest time possible.
• Corticosteroid injection to the mother to enable the maturation of the fetus' lungs prior to delivery.
• Medications such as magnesium sulfate is given to the mother to prevent seizure (eclampsia).
• Blood transfusion to correct low platelet count.