HELLP syndrome
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2008-07-05T06:18:12Z
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{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = HELLP syndrome |
ICD10 = {{ICD10|O|14|1|o|10}} |
ICD9 = ''Not assigned'' |
ICDO = |
Image = |
Caption = |
OMIM = |
OMIM_mult = |
MedlinePlus = 000890 |
eMedicineSubj = ped |
eMedicineTopic = 1885 |
DiseasesDB = 30805 |
MeshID = D017359 |
}}
'''HELLP syndrome''' is a life-threatening [[obstetric]] complication usually considered to be a variant of [[pre-eclampsia]]. Both conditions occur during the later stages of [[pregnancy]], or sometimes after [[childbirth]].
HELLP is an abbreviation of the main findings:<ref name="Weinstein">{{cite journal |author=Weinstein L |title=Syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count: a severe consequence of hypertension in pregnancy |journal=Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. |volume=142 |issue=2 |pages=159–67 |year=1982 |pmid=7055180 |doi=}}</ref>
* [[Hemolysis|'''H'''emolytic anemia]]
* '''E'''levated [[Liver enzyme|'''L'''iver enzymes]] and
* [[Thrombocytopenia|'''L'''ow '''P'''latelet count]]
==Signs and symptoms==
Often, a patient who develops HELLP syndrome has already been followed up for [[pregnancy-induced hypertension]] (''gestational hypertension''), or is suspected to develop [[pre-eclampsia]] (high blood pressure and [[proteinuria]]). Up to 8% of all cases present ''after'' delivery.
There is gradual but marked onset of [[headache]]s (30%), blurred vision, [[malaise]] (90%), [[nausea]]/vomiting (30%), "band pain" around the upper [[abdomen]] (65%) and tingling in the extremities. [[Edema]] may occur but its absence does not exclude HELLP syndrome. [[Arterial hypertension]] is a diagnostic requirement, but may be mild. Rupture of the liver capsule and a resultant [[hematoma]] may occur. If the patient gets a [[seizure]] or [[coma]], the condition has progressed into full-blown [[eclampsia]].
[[Disseminated intravascular coagulation]] is also seen in about 20% of all women with HELLP syndrome,<ref>Sibai, BM. Maternal morbidity and mortality in 442 pregnancies with HELLP syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993; 169:1000.</ref> and in 84% when HELLP is complicated by [[acute renal failure]].<ref>Sibai, BM. Acute renal failure in pregnancies complicated by HELLP. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1993; 168:1682.</ref>
Patients who present symptoms of HELLP can be misdiagnosed in the early stages, increasing the risk of liver failure and morbidity.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Padden MO |title=HELLP syndrome: recognition and perinatal management |journal=American family physician |volume=60 |issue=3 |pages=829–36, 839 |year=1999 |pmid=10498110 |doi=}} </ref> Rarely, post caesarean patient may present in shock condition mimicking either pulmonary embolism or reactionary haemorrhage.
==Diagnosis==
In a patient with possible HELLP syndrome, a batch of [[blood test]]s is performed: a [[full blood count]], [[liver enzyme]]s, [[renal function]] and [[electrolyte]]s and [[coagulation]] studies. Often, ''[[fibrin]] degradation products'' (FDPs) are determined, which can be elevated. [[Lactate dehydrogenase]] is a marker of hemolysis and is elevated (>600 U/liter). [[Proteinuria]] is present but can be mild.
A positive [[D-dimer]] test in the presence of preeclampsia has recently been reported to be predictive of patients who will develop HELLP syndrome.<ref name="pmid10498110">{{cite journal |author=Padden MO |title=HELLP syndrome: recognition and perinatal management |journal=American family physician |volume=60 |issue=3 |pages=829–36, 839 |year=1999 |pmid=10498110 |doi=}}</ref> D-dimer is a more sensitive indicator of subclinical coagulopathy and may be positive before coagulation studies are abnormal.{{Fact|date=August 2007}}
==Classification==
The [[platelet]] count has been found to be moderately predictive of severity: under 50 million/L is class I (severe), between 50 and 100 is class II (moderately severe) and >100 is class III (mild). This system is termed the Mississippi classification.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Martin JN, Blake PG, Lowry SL, Perry KG, Files JC, Morrison JC |title=Pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia-eclampsia with the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count: how rapid is postpartum recovery? |journal=Obstetrics and gynecology |volume=76 |issue=5 Pt 1 |pages=737–41 |year=1990 |pmid=2216215 |doi=}}</ref>
==Pathophysiology==
The exact cause of HELLP is unknown, but general activation of the coagulation cascade is considered the main underlying problem. Fibrin forms crosslinked networks in the small [[blood vessel]]s. This leads to a [[microangiopathic hemolytic anemia]]: the mesh causes destruction of [[red blood cell]]s as if they were being forced through a strainer. Additionally, [[platelet]]s are consumed. As the [[liver]] appears to be the main site of this process, downstream liver cells suffer [[ischemia]], leading to periportal necrosis. Other organs can be similarly affected. HELLP syndrome leads to a variant form of [[disseminated intravascular coagulation]] (DIC), leading to paradoxical [[hemorrhage|bleeding]], which can make emergency surgery a serious challenge.
==Treatment==
The only effective treatment is delivery of the baby. Several medications have been investigated for the treatment of HELLP syndrome, but evidence is conflicting as to whether [[magnesium sulfate]] decreases the risk of seizures and progress to eclampsia. The DIC is treated with [[fresh frozen plasma]] to replenish the coagulation proteins, and the [[anemia]] may require [[blood transfusion]]. In mild cases, [[corticosteroid]]s and [[antihypertensive]]s ([[labetalol]], [[hydralazine]], [[nifedipine]]) may be sufficient. Intravenous fluids are generally required.
==Epidemiology==
Its incidence is reported as 0.2-0.6% of all pregnancies, and 10-20% of women with comorbid preeclampsia. HELLP usually begins during the third trimester, and usually in Caucasian women over the age of 25. (Padden, 1999) Rarely cases have been reported as early as 23 weeks gestation. The outcome for mothers with HELLP syndrome is generally good. With treatment, maternal mortality is about 1 percent. However complications have been observed, including [[abruptio placentae]], [[acute renal failure]], subcapsular liver hematoma, and [[retinal detachment]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Sibai BM, Ramadan MK, Usta I, Salama M, Mercer BM, Friedman SA |title=Maternal morbidity and mortality in 442 pregnancies with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP syndrome) |journal=Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. |volume=169 |issue=4 |pages=1000–6 |year=1993 |pmid=8238109}}</ref>
==History==
HELLP syndrome was identified as a distinct clinical entity (as opposed to severe preeclampsia) by Dr Louis Weinstein in 1982.<ref name="Weinstein"> </ref>
==See also==
*[[Acute fatty liver of pregnancy]]
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
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