HELLP Syndrome and Eclampsia

Question 1

What is HELLP syndrome?

Answer 1

Severe variant of pre-eclamptic toxaemia

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?
Pregnant woman, elevated liver enzymes first, then low platelets, then haemolysis. Epigastric and RUQ pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine.

Answer 2

HELLP syndrome

Question 3

What is the management for HELLP syndrome?

Answer 3

1. Delivery

2. If platelets under 50 - platelet transfusion

Question 4

What is eclampsia?

Answer 4

Obstetric emergency, tonic-clonic seizures

Question 5

What is the management for eclampsia?

Answer 5

1. ABCDE
2. Magnesium sulphate 4g IV over 5-10 mins, then 1g/hour for 24 hours.
3. Catheterise
4. Obs every 15 mins
5. FBC, U&Es, LFTs, clotting every 12 hours
6. Monitor foetus with CTG
7. Deliver once mother is stable - LSCS preferred