Things to know about HELLP syndrome - a pregnancy nightmare for anyone

HELLP is an acronym for Hemolytic Anemia, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet Count. That is, hemolytic anemia syndrome, elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia in pregnant women, usually occurs in the last 3 months of pregnancy (mostly diagnosed between 28 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy) or sometimes after. giving birth with a rate of about 5-8% of pregnant women.

HELLP is often associated with preeclampsia, about 2-12% of pregnant women with preeclampsia have HELLP syndrome (according to Vinmec International General Hospital).

HELP syndrome is a syndrome of hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia in pregnant women.

Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include: Severe and increasing headache; Blurred vision, irritability; Nausea and vomiting; Transverse epigastric pain; Paresthesia of hands and feet; Possibly edema; Hypertension; On examination, the liver capsule ruptured with hematoma, disseminated intravascular coagulation.

HELLP syndrome can cause serious consequences for the mother such as liver and kidney damage, leading to multi-organ failure, causing patients to have clotting disorders, cerebral hemorrhage, and elevated liver enzymes. If the disease is not treated quickly and promptly, it will lead to an increasingly severe condition, the risk of death for both mother and child is very high.

The only and mandatory treatment for this syndrome is termination of pregnancy, which is to remove the fetus from the mother. After the fetus is removed, the mother's health will improve very quickly.

Therefore, pregnant women should have regular antenatal check-ups, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Not only an ultrasound, but pregnant women must have a comprehensive examination, monitor blood pressure, test urine and blood tests when necessary, as well as advise on nutrition… to have the healthiest pregnancy.

If pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome or any other abnormality is detected, they will be hospitalized for timely treatment, ensuring the safety of the health of the mother and the fetus (according to Dr. Director of Bac Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital).