HELLP syndrome
MONDO:0008585A life-threatening condition that can potentially complicate pregnancy. It is named for 3 features of the condition: H emolysis, E levated L iver enzyme levels, and L ow P latelet levels. It typically occurs in the last 3 months of pregnancy (the third trimester) but can also start soon after delivery. A wide range of non-specific symptoms may be present in women with HELLP syndrome. Symptoms may include fatigue; malaise; fluid retention and excess weight gain; headache; nausea and vomiting; pain in the upper right or middle of the abdomen; blurry vision; and rarely, nosebleed or seizures. The cause of HELLP syndrome is not known, but certain risk factors have been associated with the condition. It is most common in women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, HELLP syndrome can lead to serious complications for the mother and baby.The main treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, even if premature. Treatment may also include medications needed for the mother or baby, and blood transfusion for severe bleeding problems.
Also known as: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets in pregnancy, hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelet count syndrome, hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets syndrome, PEE1, PREECLAMPSIA/eclampsia 1, PREG1, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, lowered platelets
35 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 13 tagged with HELLP syndrome itself.
Follow this condition to get notified about new trialsWhere it sits in the disease tree
Browse by category →-
Simple blood test may spot Life-Threatening HELLP syndrome sooner
Diagnosis Not yet recruitingThis study looks at whether a substance in the blood called sCD163 can help doctors find HELLP syndrome early in pregnant women. HELLP is a rare but serious condition that can harm the liver and blood. Researchers will compare sCD163 levels in 70 pregnant women—some with HELLP an…
Sponsor: Assiut University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:53 UTC
-
A helping hand after pregnancy may protect hearts for years
Prevention Not yet recruitingThis trial tests whether pairing women who had high blood pressure during or after pregnancy with a trained community health worker for six months can lower their blood pressure compared to usual care. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either standard care or standard…
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Aug 26, 2026 00:00 UTC
-
Vitamin d trial aims to protect pregnant women from Life-Threatening conditions
Prevention Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily during pregnancy can prevent preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome in about 2,000 pregnant women in Uganda. Half the women will receive vitamin D and half a placebo, and researchers will track outcomes up to six we…
Phase 4 • Sponsor: St Mary's Hospital, Lacor • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
-
Could a safer drug replace magnesium for seizure prevention in pregnancy?
Prevention Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether levetiracetam, a seizure medication, works as well as magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures in pregnant people with severe preeclampsia. About 1,240 participants at 32 weeks or more will be randomly assigned to one of the two drugs. The goal is to see if …
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Nebraska Methodist Health System • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
-
Blood markers may predict danger in pregnancy condition
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study will check if certain blood markers (like platelet counts and inflammation levels) can help predict serious complications in pregnant women with HELLP syndrome, a rare but dangerous condition. Researchers will follow 60 women to see how these markers relate to problems…
Sponsor: Sohag University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC