HELLP syndrome

High urgency
-Very severe

It is a group of symptoms that can occur in pregnant women: destruction of red blood cells, decrease in the number of platelets and increase in liver enzymes. It usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy.

The cause is unknown.

It manifests itself with a significant feeling of general malaise, nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain and even pain in the liver. The detection of hypertension in pregnancy is usually the sign that starts the diagnostic process.

The diagnosis is made by clinical interview, physical examination and blood tests (haemogram, liver and kidney function, electrolytes and coagulation). The baby's health will also need to be examined, mainly by ultrasound.

This is a rare but very serious condition, so if you suspect it, you should contact a centre with a gynaecology and obstetrics service as a matter of urgency. Treatment is based on terminating the pregnancy by induction of labour or caesarean section.

Bibliographic references
  1. Baha M Sibai. HELLP syndrome. UpToDate May 25, 2016.
  2. van Oostwaard MF, Langenveld J, Schuit E, et al. Recurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: an individual patient data metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 212:624.e1.
  3. Fitzpatrick KE, Hinshaw K, Kurinczuk JJ, Knight M. Risk factors, management, and outcomes of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome and elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome. Obstet Gynecol 2014; 123:618.
  4. Abildgaard U, Heimdal K. Pathogenesis of the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP): a review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2013; 166:117.
  5. Grand'Maison S, Sauvé N, Weber F, et al. Hepatic rupture in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome. Obstet Gynecol 2012; 119:617.
  6. M. Bruguera. Hígado y embarazo. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 12º edición. 264.
  7. ML Cañete Palomo, Y Fernández Escobar, MD Maldonado del Valle. Otras urgencias en el embarazo y puerperio. Manual de Protocolos y Actuación en Urgencias. 3ª edición (2010). 1358.
  8. N Leung, SC Textor. Lesión vascular del riñón. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 1865.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Blurry vision


    Swelling


    Headache


    Pain in the pit of the stomach


    Partial vision loss

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Complete rest until seen by a doctor.
Call medical assistance for instructions.