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.
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New study aims to keep moms healthy after birth
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a new way of caring for new mothers and their babies together, called MOMI PODS. It focuses on moms who had heart or mental health problems during pregnancy. The goal is to see if this coordinated care model improves health and reduces risks like postpartum depre…
Sponsor: Ohio State University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:33 UTC
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Could a drug for rare blood disorder help pregnant women with severe preeclampsia?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis Phase 2 trial tests ravulizumab (Ultomiris) in 14 pregnant individuals with severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome before 34 weeks of pregnancy. The drug aims to block part of the immune system that may drive these dangerous conditions. Researchers will measure blood markers …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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Two proteins could give african clinics an early warning for dangerous pregnancy complication
Diagnosis Recruiting nowPreeclampsia is a serious high blood pressure condition that can develop during pregnancy and is a leading cause of death for mothers and babies in Africa. Doctors struggle to predict which women with high blood pressure will become severely ill because current tests are not accu…
Sponsor: Africa Clinical Research Network (ACRN) • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Sep 11, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Postpartum blood pressure control may stop preeclampsia from leading to lifelong hypertension
Prevention Recruiting nowThis trial tests whether starting intensive blood pressure medication soon after childbirth can prevent chronic hypertension in women who had preeclampsia. Participants are randomly assigned to receive nifedipine ER when their blood pressure reaches different thresholds during th…
Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Preeclampsia aftermath: new study tracks heart and kidney risks
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study follows 100 women who had preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or kidney problems during pregnancy. Researchers will measure blood vessel stiffness and collect blood samples for a biobank. The goal is to better understand long-term heart and kidney health after these conditio…
Sponsor: University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 12:37 UTC