Hellp, a syndrome characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels and a low platelet count, is an obstetric complication that is frequently misdiagnosed at initial presentation Contents rapid reference diagnosis presentation & diagnosis diagnostic criteria neurodiagnostic tests treatment bp & volume management magnesium for seizure prophylaxis seizure management (eclampsia) hellp syndrome treatment fetal monitoring & delivery other issues podcast questions & discussion pitfalls lab panel glucose, electrolytes including ca/mg/phos It is a syndrome described as hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets It can be seen as a variant of preeclampsia, but it can also be seen as a separate entity It is believed to be due to abnormal vascular tone There is believed to be an insult leading to microvascular endothelial damage and intravascular platelet activation
The purpose of this chart is to help. Hellp syndrome 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 This condition is characterized by a specific set of laboratory findings that indicate significant physiological stress in the affected individual Clinical case (continued) after being diagnosed with hellp syndrome and considering her systemic compromise and overall clinical decline, the patient urgently underwent a cesarean delivery On the first postpartum day, her lab values were as follows The syndrome of hemolysis with a microangiopathic blood smear, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets in pregnant and postpartum patients is more commonly known by the acronym hellp syndrome.[1][2] it may represent a complication or progression of severe preeclampsia
Laboratory testing shows elevated liver enzymes, increased lactate dehydrogenase, and decreased platelets She is started on steroids, intravenous magnesium sulfate, and prepped for immediate delivery Introduction overview hellp syndrome is named for its characteristic findings Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets
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