HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, an increase in liver enzymes and a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. It is most common after 28 weeks of pregnancy.
This syndrome can cause symptoms such as general malaise, nausea, vomiting, headache and/or pain on the right side of the upper belly, which can be confused with illnesses such as gastritis, flu or acute hepatitis.
If HELLP syndrome is suspected, it is important to seek an obstetric emergency so that the syndrome is identified early and treated as quickly as possible to avoid complications, such as premature birth and placental abruption.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome
The main symptoms of HELLP syndrome are:
- General malaise;
- Pain in the pit of the stomach or below the ribs on the right;
- Headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Tiredness;
- Swelling in the legs;
- High pressure;
- Sudden weight gain;
- Yellow skin and eyes;
- Changes in vision, such as blurred, double vision or flashing lights;
- Nose bleeding.
Typically, symptoms of HELLP syndrome appear between 28 and 37 weeks of pregnancy or within the first 7 days after birth. These symptoms tend to worsen at night and, generally, the headache does not improve with the use of painkillers.
Furthermore, the symptoms of HELLP syndrome can sometimes be confused with those of diseases such as gastritis, flu and, especially in the case of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, making identification important. Know the symptoms of preeclampsia.
Can people who had HELLP syndrome get pregnant again?
If the woman has had HELLP syndrome and the treatment has been carried out correctly, the woman can become pregnant again. However, there is a risk of recurrence of this syndrome in other pregnancies.
Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women be closely monitored by an obstetrician to prevent any changes during the new pregnancy.
Possible causes
It is believed that HELLP syndrome occurs due to an exaggerated activation of the immune system due to changes in the development of the placenta during pregnancy, causing an inflammatory response in the body.
Some factors that may increase your risk of HELLP syndrome include:
- History of HELLP syndrome, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia in a previous pregnancy;
- Be over 35 years old;
- Multiple pregnancy;
- Obesity;
- Illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Additionally, it is believed that some women also have a genetic predisposition, increasing their risk of developing HELLP syndrome during pregnancy.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of HELLP syndrome is made by the obstetrician based on the symptoms present and the results of tests, such as a blood count, in which the characteristics of the red blood cells and the number of platelets are checked.
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
In addition, the doctor usually also recommends tests that evaluate the liver, such as the measurement of bilirubin, TGO and TGP in the blood, which may also be altered in HELLP syndrome, to confirm the diagnosis. Find out more tests that evaluate the liver.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for HELLP syndrome is normally carried out in the Intensive Care Unit so that the obstetrician can constantly assess the progress of the pregnancy and indicate the best time and type of delivery, if possible.
Typically, treatment depends on the length of pregnancy, and after the 34th week of pregnancy it is common to induce labor, if the woman is stable, or cesarean section, early, to avoid complications for the woman or the baby.
When the pregnant woman is less than 34 weeks, corticosteroid injections, such as betamethasone, can be given to develop the baby’s lungs in order to accelerate the birth. However, when the pregnant woman is less than 24 weeks pregnant, this type of treatment may not be effective and it may be necessary to terminate the pregnancy.
Risks to pregnancy
HELLP syndrome can cause several complications that pose a risk to pregnancy, such as:
- Eclampsia;
- Placental abruption;
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC);
- Thrombosis;
- Liver rupture;
- Hemorragia cerebral;
- Pulmonary or cerebral edema;
- acute kidney injury;
- Restriction of the baby’s intrauterine growth;
- Part premature;
- Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in the baby.
It is important that at the first symptoms indicative of HELLP syndrome, the woman receives immediate medical attention, to avoid complications that could put the life of the woman and her baby at risk.
Does HELLP syndrome cause sequelae?
HELLP syndrome usually does not leave any consequences, especially when it is identified and treated early, preventing the worsening of symptoms and the development of complications.
How to prevent the syndrome
There is no way to prevent the development of HELLP syndrome. Therefore, it is important to follow the obstetrician’s recommendations, carrying out prenatal consultations and seeking medical help immediately if the syndrome is suspected. Find out how to do prenatal care.
Furthermore, during pregnancy it is important to maintain healthy habits, doing exercises recommended by your obstetrician and a balanced diet, to help control diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of developing HELLP syndrome. See what nutrition should be like during pregnancy.
