HELLP SYNDROME

what does HELLP syndrome stand for?

• Hemolysis

• Elevated Liver enzymes

• Low Platelets

what is HELLP syndrome?

• is a life-threatening pregnancy-related disorder that typically occurs >20 weeks gestation

• is often considered a variant of preeclampsia, clients can develop it without hypertension or proteinuria.

what are clinical manifestions of HELLP syndrome?

• elevated liver enzymes

• right upper quadrant abdominal pain (due to swelling of the liver)

• malaise

• nausea/vomiting

what are laboratory findings of HELLP syndrome?

• decreased platelet count

• elevated liver enzymes

  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 4-36 U/L

  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 0-35 U/L

• Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

what is the treatment for HELLP syndrome?

• Delivery

• Magnesium for seizure prophylaxis

• Antihypertensive drugs

EXPLAINATION:

• Preparing the client for birth, which is the only definitive treatment

• Initiating magnesium sulfate infusion for seizure prophylaxis

• Administering antihypertensive medications PRN to help prevent stroke

• Evaluating deep tendon reflexes frequently to assess for hyperreflexia and clonus, which may indicate increased central nervous system irritability and precede eclampsia; hyporeflexia may indicate magnesium toxicity.

• Monitoring clotting factors to evaluate bleeding risk and monitor for disseminated intravascular coagulation, a complication of HELLP syndrome