re:HELLP
Sally Edsall (SEDSALL@nswtf.org.au)
Fri, 29 Mar 1996 12:32:22 GMT+10
In reply to Cynthia :
> . H.E.L.L.P. Syndrome is a
> fairly rare and extreme form of pre-eclampsia. It usually strikes late in
> the 3rd trimester but almost everyone I know who has had it, got it around
> 28-30 weeks.
Whilst it usually bcomes evident at that time, it is thought that the
preconditions are laid down in the first trimester, and that is when
the disease actually starts. The most common opinion now is that it
is to do with the blood vessels attaching the placenta to the uterus.
They apparently do not widen sufficiently to allow the increased flow
of blood necessary for the increased needs of the foetus as it
develops in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
>. My OB said she had read of low
> levels of aspirin and high levels of calcium being used in H.E.L.L.P
> prevention. She was reluctant to try these with me during my second
> pregnancy though because of other complications.
There are clinical trials taking place with the use of low-dose
aspirin. They are being undertaken and evaluated at this time. Last
report I read suggested it had little or no effect, but that may be a
misrepresentation of the position.
There are a couple of sites on the World Wide Web where pre-eclampsia
is discussed. I think one is available through Vicnet. I got a couple
of articles off by using Netscape to search.
The book I mentioned in a previous post had the best info I've seen.
Hope this helps,
Sally