HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious condition (a form of severe preeclampsia) that occurs during pregnancy or just after delivery. HELLP stands for:

  • H emolysis
  • E levated
  • L iver enzymes (showing liver damage)
  • L ow P latelet count

HELLP involves three types of problems:

  • Hemolysis—(the destruction of red blood cells) can lead to anemia (low red blood cells) and feeling tired.
  • High levels of liver enzymes—liver enzymes are chemicals in the blood that show how well the liver is working. High levels of enzymes mean the liver has been damaged.
  • Low platelet count—since platelets are cells that help bleeding stop, a low level of platelets can lead to problems with bleeding too long.

Red Blood Cells
Nucleus factsheet image
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
The Liver
Nucleus factsheet image
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

The causes of HELLP syndrome are unknown. The syndrome occurs in about 4 of every 1,000 pregnancies.