HELLP syndrome

Definition:

A group of symptoms that occur in pregnant women who have (H) hemolytic anemia, (EL) elevated liver enzymes, and (LP) low platelet count.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

HELLP syndrome occurs in approximately 10% of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. It may occur long before a pregnancy reaches term (for example, HELLP at 30 weeks gestation). HELLP may occur without an associated elevation of blood pressure. Frequently, the syndrome is misdiagnosed as hepatitis, gallbladder disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.