Living with HELLP syndrome
A serious pregnancy complication that affects the blood and liver, most often in women with preeclampsia.
Understanding HELLP syndrome
Hemolysis means red blood cells break down early. Platelets help blood clot. It is most common in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. Symptoms can be general and easy to miss. It affects adults who are pregnant.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Swelling and fluid retention (edema)
- Headache
- Anemia from red blood cell breakdown (hemolytic anemia)
- Weight gain
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and women’s reproductive health specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Women’s reproductive health specialists (obstetricians / gynecologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Preeclampsia Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause of HELLP syndrome is not known, but certain risk factors have been linked to it. It is most common in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Also known as: hellp; hellp - syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet; hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelet count syndrome; hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets syndrome; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets in pregnancy
Patient organizations
- Preeclampsia FoundationHELLP syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with HELLP syndrome.
Explore research for HELLP syndrome
Explore actively recruiting HELLP syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for HELLP syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting HELLP syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for HELLP syndrome
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your HELLP syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.