Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
09:02
Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver
Published on: July 31, 2016
A review of HELLP syndrome
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43614-5809, USA.
Summary
HELLP syndrome, a severe preeclampsia variant, poses significant risks. Prompt delivery is the most effective treatment to reduce maternal and infant mortality, despite ongoing research into its causes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia.
- It is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
- The exact etiology and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood, though vascular thrombosis and coagulation activation are implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of HELLP syndrome.
- To discuss diagnostic criteria and management strategies.
- To highlight the importance of timely delivery in improving outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HELLP syndrome.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment outcomes.
- Synthesis of current clinical practice guidelines.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic criteria for HELLP syndrome lack institutional uniformity.
- Expeditious delivery is associated with the lowest perinatal mortality rates.
- Conservative management and antenatal corticosteroids do not resolve laboratory abnormalities, which resolve gradually postpartum.
Conclusions:
- Delivery remains the definitive treatment for HELLP syndrome.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and develop targeted therapies.
- Standardized diagnostic criteria and management protocols are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:22Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
01:25Jaundice
Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...