Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentRisk Factors
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Risk Factors
The conditions that are part of HELLP syndrome are in its name, which stands forhemolysis,elevated liver enzymes, andlow platelet count. Though the specific cause of HELLP syndrome is not known, it is thought to be associated withpreeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure during later stages ofpregnancy. HELLP syndrome typically occurs in the last trimester, but can also start after delivery.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
Signs and Symptoms of HELLP Syndrome
HELLP syndrome itself is a group of these three signs inpregnantindividuals:
Other signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:
MisdiagnosisBecause there is such a range of general symptoms, someone with HELLP syndrome can sometimes be misdiagnosed with conditions like:Flu or other viral illnessGallbladder diseaseHepatitisIdiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)Lupus flareThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Misdiagnosis
Because there is such a range of general symptoms, someone with HELLP syndrome can sometimes be misdiagnosed with conditions like:Flu or other viral illnessGallbladder diseaseHepatitisIdiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)Lupus flareThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Because there is such a range of general symptoms, someone with HELLP syndrome can sometimes be misdiagnosed with conditions like:
At the doctor’s office or hospital, the healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, and in the process may discover:
Lab work will also be involved to check on whether the pregnant person has:
If aliver function testindicates potential problems with the organ, the healthcare professional may order an ultrasound and/or CT scan to see whether there is bleeding into the liver. Additionally, they may also perform tests on the fetus, including a fetal non-stress test, and/or an ultrasound, among others.
When adeliveryis required, the medical professional will either give the pregnant person medication to induce labor or perform a cesarean section. The pregnant person may also receive:
Complications for the pregnant person can include:
Complications for the fetus can include:
Although the cause of HELLP syndrome is unknown, there are some known risk factors for developing the condition. The most common is havingpreeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, although not every person who develops HELLP syndrome has preeclampsia.
Other risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome include:
Additionally, genetic factors—in both the pregnant person and fetus—may also have an impact on whether the pregnant individual develops HELLP syndrome. And while scientists are progressively learning more about HELLP syndrome, many think that it is likely multifactorial, meaning that a combination of interacting genetic and environmental factors causes HELLP syndrome.
Currently, it is thought that there is no single gene that’s responsible for the condition. And, even though some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing conditions like preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, many who have the same genetic risk factors never develop the pregnancy condition.
A Word From Verywell
The good news is that when HELLP syndrome is diagnosed early, there is usually a positive outcome for both the pregnant person and the child. Keep yourself informed of possible complications of pregnancy, be sure to get regular prenatal care, and promptly notify your care team if you have any unusual symptoms.
Catching something like HELLP syndrome sooner rather than later can make a significant difference, and even save lives.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.HELLP syndrome.MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.Preeclampsia Foundation.HELLP syndrome.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.HELLP syndrome.MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.Preeclampsia Foundation.HELLP syndrome.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.HELLP syndrome.MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.Preeclampsia Foundation.HELLP syndrome.
National Institutes of Health, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.HELLP syndrome.
MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.
Preeclampsia Foundation.HELLP syndrome.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
