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Help with HELLP Syndrome

Understanding this Mysterious Complication

By Gina Roberts-Grey

Dr. Repke also notes you should inform your doctor if you have a first-degree relative such as your mother or sister who had preeclampsia. "This can slightly increase a woman's chances of developing preeclampsia or HELLP," he says.

"The primary therapy of HELLP is support of the mother," says Dr. Repke. Because HELLP is considered to be a placental disease, once delivery occurs, there is generally an improvement. "With effective supportive care, all manifestations of HELLP resolve themselves after delivery," adds Dr. Repke.

Because the earlier a child is born, the greater the chance for life-threatening complications to the baby, a doctor might try to delay delivery as long as possible, provided this does not further jeopardize the mother's safety. There has been some controversy about different tactics designed to keep HELLP at bay. "Some high doses of steroids have been experimented with and the jury is still out as to whether these offer effective medical management of HELLP," says Dr. Repke.

Many former HELLP patients fear having more children is not an option. Dr. Baha M. Sibai, professor of OB/GYN at the University of Cincinnati, explains HELLP recurrence may be 10 to 50 percent. However, Dr. Sibai says the risk of having HELLP again is 5 percent, and the risk of having preeclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy is at least 20 percent.

"Each patient must evaluate their own level of rik for subsequent pregnancies," says Dr. Repke. Discussing all of the facts, risks and personal priorities with your team of health care professionals will be the only method to determine whether or not to have a post HELLP child.

Want to see more?

• Staying Strong: Exercise during a High-risk Pregnancy
• Managing Preeclampsia
• Surviving the Syndrome: Rare Condition, HELLP, Requires Fast Treatment
• Talk about it!

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