What it means
A life-threatening condition of pregnancy or just after birth, often seen as a severe form of preeclampsiapree-ih-KLAMP-see-uhA disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.pre- beforeeclampsia Full entry . Red blood cells break down (hemolysishee-MOL-ih-sisThe breaking apart of red blood cells, which releases hemoglobin into the blood.hem/o blood-lysis breaking downFull entry ), the liver is damaged, and the plateletPLAYT-litA tiny cell fragment in the blood that sticks together at a wound to help form a clot.Full entry count falls, so bleeding becomes a risk. Clients often have pain in the upper right belly or under the breastbone, nausea and a general feeling of being unwell; blood pressure may or may not be very high. The main treatment is delivery of the baby, with magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures.
For the nurse
Report upper belly pain, nausea or vomiting in a pregnant client with high blood pressure. Watch for bleeding, follow platelet counts and liver tests, and monitor the fetus.
Remember it
The name spells it out: H (hemolysis), EL (elevated liver enzymes), LP (low platelets).
At a glance
| Abbreviations | HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) |
|---|---|
| Also written | HELLP |
Related terms
platelet
A tiny cell fragment in the blood that sticks together at a wound to help form a clot.
preeclampsia
A disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.
hemolysis
The breaking apart of red blood cells, which releases hemoglobin into the blood.
magnesium sulfate
A magnesium salt given by IV or IM to raise a low magnesium level or prevent seizures in severe preeclampsia.