HELLP syndrome

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Background

  • HELLP = Hemolysis, Elevated LFTs, Low Platelets
  • Clinical variant of preeclampsia
  • Any patient >20wk gestation or <4wk postpartum complaining of abdominal pain should receive HELLP workup
  • When occurring postpartum, typically presents within 48hr of delivery
  • 80% of patients have no evidence of preeclampsia before delivery

Clinical Features

  • RUQ or epigastric pain (40-90%)
  • Proteinuria (86-100%)
  • Hypertension (82-88%)

Differential Diagnosis

Postpartum Emergencies

Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (MAHA)

Evaluation

Evaluation is targeted at assessing the individual components of the syndrome. Labs to be drawn should include a:

  • CBC
  • Chemistry
    • Normal or elevated BUN/Cr
  • Coagulation panel
    • Abnormalities only if there is component of DIC
  • LFT
    • AST > 70 U/L, bilirubin > 1.2mg/dL
    • ALT elevation (although usually <500)
  • LDH > 600 IU/L
  • CT or ultrasound can be considered if there is pain requiring a greater workup.
    • Depending on degree of thrombocytopenia are at risk for developing intraabdominal bleeding such as a hepatic hematoma

Management

Disposition

  • Admit

Complications

See Also

References