HELLP syndrome is a pretty serious obstetric or surgical complication during pregnancy and according to the medical experts, HELLP syndrome can be counted as a variant of pre- eclampsia. The similarity lies in the fact that both pre- eclampsia and HELLP syndrome occur at the later stages of pregnancy. They might even occur after childbirth. HELLP stands for Hemolytic anemia, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count. It is quite evident that these factors are actually the symptoms of the HELLP syndrome and if one keeps these symptoms in mind, then, it would surely be easy to prevent the adverse consequences of HELLP syndrome in time. And, if you have no idea about its symptoms, then, you would start neglecting them.
Pregnancy induced hypertension is an important sign for HELLP syndrome and pre- eclampsia is also characterized by high blood pressure. Other significant symptoms include headaches, nausea, blurred vision etc. HELLP syndrome might be accompanied by edema but it is not a must factor as far as the detection of the HELLP syndrome is concerned. Mild arterial hypertension is a basic diagnostic requirement for the detection of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome can lead to the rupture of the liver capsule and if the patient is suffering from seizure or she gets into coma, then, special medical care should be taken as these symptoms indicate full blown eclampsia phase.
If you are suspecting HELLP syndrome in some patient, then, certain blood tests must be performed in order to confirm the syndrome. The tests would cover:
liver enzymes
electrolytes
blood count
renal function
coagulation
Platelet count is still considered to be a determining factor in the detection of HELLP syndrome. Interestingly, the only effective mode of treatment is the proper delivery of the baby. It has still not has been confirmed that magnesium sulfate can really decrease seizures or eclampsia factors or not.
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Intravenous fluids are usually given and anemia is dealt with blood transfusion.
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