Table of Contents
What is HELLP syndrome?
Symptoms to watch out for
Treatment of HELLP syndrome
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
HELLP syndrome
is a complication
pregnancy
which is very rare but potentially life threatening.
This condition usually appears in the third trimester or around 28-40 weeks of gestation.However, this syndrome can also occur at any time in the second half of pregnancy, from 20 weeks onwards, and even develop within seven days after giving birth.
This case was experienced by Yeyen Soedjoko, a HELLP syndrome fighter who was treated in critical condition.He shared his experience and recovery process via his Instagram accounts @warung.copy and @yeyenniish.
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What is HELLP syndrome?
HELLP syndrome is a serious pregnancy complication that affects blood and liver function.The term HELLP is an abbreviation of:
• H (Hemolysis): rupture of red blood cells
• EL (Elevated Liver Enzyme): increased liver enzymes
• LP (Low Platelet Count): low platelet levels
This condition is often considered a severe form of preeclampsia.Preeclampsia triggers high blood pressure (hypertension) and proteinuria (high protein levels in the urine).
HELLP syndrome often occurs together with preeclampsia.However, preeclampsia can occur without HELLP.About 1 in 5 cases of HELLP occur without high blood pressure or protein in the urine.
Quoting the Cleveland Clinic, HELLP syndrome only occurs in 0.1-0.6 percent of pregnancies.Even so, it develops very quickly and requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms to watch out for
The symptoms of HELLP syndrome vary greatly and are often confused with other health disorders.Common symptoms include:
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Body swelling
• Seizures (in severe conditions)
In Yeyen’s case, the initial symptoms appeared on the 9th to 11th day after giving birth.His body showed unusual signs.
“Food and drink, even water, were all bitter on my tongue. I lost my appetite, while I had to breastfeed. Slowly my consciousness and memory disappeared,” he wrote.
[Gambas:Instagram]
Initially, doctors suspected that Yeyen had baby blues because her responses were out of sync.However, his condition worsened and he had a seizure the next day.
“This time my condition was declared critical and health workers rushed to take me to HCU. My lungs were damaged, my liver had dropped drastically, my neck was full of wires and tubes. My life could only be supported by medical equipment. The diagnosis: HELLP syndrome,” he added.
During the eight days he was treated in HCU, Yeyen lost most of his memory.He only remembers his son.His memory was lost due to brain swelling, and he only found out the entire chronology after reading family conversations in the WhatsApp group.
If not treated immediately, HELLP can cause serious complications such as kidney failure, blood clots, liver failure or liver bleeding, pulmonary edema, seizures or eclampsia, and even placental abruption.In the fetus, risks include premature birth, growth disorders, blood disorders, and respiratory problems.
Treatment of HELLP syndrome
The only way to stop the progression of HELLP is delivery.If the gestational age has reached 34 weeks or the symptoms are severe, doctors generally recommend immediate delivery.
Supportive treatment can include blood pressure lowering drugs, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, blood or platelet transfusions, and corticosteroids to mature the fetus’ lungs.
After being released from the hospital, Yeyen underwent a long recovery process.He had to learn to walk, write and read again.Her breast milk production had stopped due to intensive treatment, but managed to return after undergoing relactation therapy.
(nga/tis)
[Gambas:goldensamoyed Video]
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