Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels, and an elevation in liver enzymes signify a possible complication in both liver function and your blood's ability to clot. Separately, both conditions vary in severity from mild to severe, and in extreme cases, both abnormalities lead to coma or death. Having both thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes are symptoms of a pregnancy-associated syndrome called HELLP.
HELLP Syndrome
A syndrome is a disease that is characterized by a constellation of various signs and symptoms. If you suffer from HELLP, you will have hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. HELLP is only diagnosed in pregnant women. In the United States, HELLP syndrome occurs in 1 to 2 out of 1,000 pregnancies, according to MedlinePlus. HELLP is associated with a high risk of liver damage and vascular complications in both the mother and fetus.
Risk
HELLP syndrome is most commonly associated with pregnant patients suffering from increased blood pressure levels, according to an article in the January 1982 issue of the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology." High blood pressure caused by pregnancy is called preeclampsia. Having preeclampsia, elevated liver enzymes and a low platelet count are severe signs of HELLP that, without treatment, can lead to possibly fatal complications in both the mother and unborn child.
Symptoms
HELLP syndrome is commonly associated with fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, swelling of the face and hands and abnormal bleeding from your gums are also associated with both elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts. Since pregnant women often complain of these symptoms, especially late in a pregnancy, doctors occasionally have a difficult time diagnosing HELLP, FamilyDoctor.org warns. If there is a high index of suspicion for HELLP, your doctor may order blood tests and blood pressure measurements.
Treatment
The best treatment for HELLP is prompt delivery of the baby. Delivery is recommended even if the fetus is premature. If the child's lungs are still too immature to support life, corticosteroids are used to speed lung development. Aside from inducing labor, your doctor may also prescribe a blood transfusion to restore platelet levels and antihypertensive medications. Without treatment, liver failure and other complications of HELLP syndrome rapidly cause damage to either your or your child.
References
- MedlinePlus; HELLP Syndrome; Linda Vorvick, MD; November 2010
- "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Syndrome of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count: A Severe Consequence of Hypertension in Pregnancy.; L Weinstein; 15 January 1982
- FamilyDoctor; HELLP Syndrome and Your Pregnancy; January 2011
