What is HELLP Syndrome? HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening liver disorder that occurs during pregnancy and postpartum. It is characterized by hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (which indicate liver damage), and low platelet count. According to Olds’Maternal-Newborn Nursing Tenth Edition, HELLP is usually related to preeclampsia and about 10% to 20% of women who have severe preeclampsia develop HELLP prior to 37 weeks’ gestation 50% of the time. However it may also occur in women with normal or minimally elevated blood pressure with no proteinuria. This usually happens at the end of the third semester right before 35 weeks of pregnancy, even though it can also still develop right after childbirth. HELLP syndrome
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Delivery is the only known way to reverse HELLP syndrome. Vaginal delivery is often possible, but a cesarean is used if the mother or fetus is not medically stable. Women with HELLP are best cared for in a tertiary care center, but initial to that the mother’s condition should be assessed and stabilized, especially if her platelets are very low, and the fetus is also assessed using a non-stress test and biophysical profile (Davidson, London, Ladewig; 2016). After having HELLP syndrome, one is considered high-risk for complications during any future pregnancies. Make sure that the doctor knows about this part of one health history for close monitoring during any pregnancy and postpartum period (Davidson, London, Ladewig; 2016). However, the treatment may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and how close one is to her due date. If the HELLP syndrome symptoms are mild or if the baby is less than 34 weeks old, the doctor may recommend: bedrest, either at home or in the hospital. Several interventions might be done such as blood transfusions for the treatment of anemia and low platelet levels, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, antihypertensive medications to control blood pressure, and corticosteroid medications to help the baby’s lungs in maturity in case if an early delivery is needed. Most women with HELLP syndrome will recover completely if the condition is treated early. Symptoms also improve significantly after the baby is delivered. In fact, most symptoms and side effects will go away within two to three days after delivery (Healthline, 2016). Finally, provide emotional and psychological support by assessing the patient for anxiety and if it is the case, request referral to a mental health clinician for counseling on strategies for reducing anxiety regarding HELLP and potential fetal or maternal
Delivery is the only known way to reverse HELLP syndrome. Vaginal delivery is often possible, but a cesarean is used if the mother or fetus is not medically stable. Women with HELLP are best cared for in a tertiary care center, but initial to that the mother’s condition should be assessed and stabilized, especially if her platelets are very low, and the fetus is also assessed using a non-stress test and biophysical profile (Davidson, London, Ladewig; 2016). After having HELLP syndrome, one is considered high-risk for complications during any future pregnancies. Make sure that the doctor knows about this part of one health history for close monitoring during any pregnancy and postpartum period (Davidson, London, Ladewig; 2016). However, the treatment may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and how close one is to her due date. If the HELLP syndrome symptoms are mild or if the baby is less than 34 weeks old, the doctor may recommend: bedrest, either at home or in the hospital. Several interventions might be done such as blood transfusions for the treatment of anemia and low platelet levels, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, antihypertensive medications to control blood pressure, and corticosteroid medications to help the baby’s lungs in maturity in case if an early delivery is needed. Most women with HELLP syndrome will recover completely if the condition is treated early. Symptoms also improve significantly after the baby is delivered. In fact, most symptoms and side effects will go away within two to three days after delivery (Healthline, 2016). Finally, provide emotional and psychological support by assessing the patient for anxiety and if it is the case, request referral to a mental health clinician for counseling on strategies for reducing anxiety regarding HELLP and potential fetal or maternal