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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

HELLP syndrome

Treatment:

The main treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, since liver function in the mother rapidly deteriorates in this condition, and this is harmful to both mother and child.

In more severe cases, the baby has to be delivered before its due date. If this is the case, a cesarian section may be necessary. In less severe cases, the physician will monitor the mother and wait as long as is possible to deliver the baby either through natural or induced labor.



Expectations (prognosis):

When the disease is not treated early, up to 25% of affected women develop serious complications. Without treatment, approximately 1.1 - 3.5% of patients die from a HELLP syndrome. The fatality rate among babies born to mothers with HELLP syndrome varies, depending on factors like birth weight. (See also prematurity.)



Complications:
The mother's liver may hemorrhage (bleed). Permanent liver damage, which can be fatal, may occur if delivery is delayed.

Calling your health care provider:
See your obstetrician immediately, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or get to the emergency room if the symptoms above occur during pregnancy. HELLP syndrome can rapidly progress to an emergency condition!

Review Date: 1/12/2003
Reviewed By: Daniel Rein, M.D., Obstetrician and Gynecologist, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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