Pregnant woman protected by kidney shield

HELLP Syndrome and Kidney Health: What Every Woman Should Know

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the risks of acute kidney injury during HELLP syndrome and how early management can protect your health."

HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count) is a serious complication of pregnancy, typically occurring in the late stages. While many are familiar with pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome represents a more severe form that can have life-threatening consequences for both mother and baby. One of the significant risks associated with HELLP syndrome is acute kidney injury (AKI), a sudden decline in kidney function.

The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing hormones. When HELLP syndrome develops, it can severely impact these functions, leading to AKI. Understanding the connection between HELLP syndrome and kidney health is crucial for early detection, timely intervention, and improved outcomes.

This article aims to shed light on the prevalence of AKI in women with HELLP syndrome, explore the risk factors involved, and emphasize the importance of prompt medical management to protect kidney function and overall well-being. By providing clear, accessible information, we hope to empower women and their families to make informed decisions and seek timely care.

AKI and HELLP Syndrome: Understanding the Risks

Pregnant woman protected by kidney shield

Research indicates a notable prevalence of AKI in women diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. Studies show that approximately 32% of women with HELLP syndrome experience AKI. This highlights the critical need for close monitoring of kidney function in pregnant women with HELLP syndrome.

Several factors can contribute to the development of AKI in the setting of HELLP syndrome:

Reduced Blood Flow to the Kidneys: HELLP syndrome can cause vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively.
Endothelial Damage: The syndrome can damage the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and impaired kidney function.
Microangiopathic Hemolysis: The breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) in HELLP syndrome can release substances that damage the kidneys.
Other Complications: Conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and severe pre-eclampsia, often associated with HELLP, can further compromise kidney function.

Early recognition of HELLP syndrome and AKI is essential to prevent further complications. Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, and visual disturbances. AKI may manifest as decreased urine output, swelling, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, seek immediate medical attention.

Protecting Your Kidney Health During Pregnancy

The good news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate medical management, the risk of severe kidney damage from HELLP syndrome can be minimized. Treatment typically involves:

<ul><li>Delivery of the Baby: In most cases, delivering the baby is the primary treatment for HELLP syndrome. This helps to resolve the underlying condition and prevent further complications.</li><li>Blood Pressure Control: Managing high blood pressure is crucial to protect the kidneys and prevent stroke.</li><li>Magnesium Sulfate: This medication helps prevent seizures, a common complication of HELLP syndrome.</li><li>Kidney Support: In cases of severe AKI, dialysis may be necessary to support kidney function until it recovers.</li></ul>

Pregnancy can present challenges, but staying informed and proactive can significantly improve outcomes. If you're at risk of HELLP syndrome or experience any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. Early detection and proper management are vital for protecting both your health and your baby's.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is HELLP syndrome?

HELLP syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count, is a severe complication of pregnancy. It is characterized by the breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis), elevated liver enzymes, and a low platelet count. This syndrome represents a more severe form of pre-eclampsia and can have life-threatening consequences for both the mother and the baby, including acute kidney injury (AKI).

What is acute kidney injury (AKI) and why is it important in relation to HELLP syndrome?

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in kidney function, where the kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood effectively. In the context of HELLP syndrome, AKI is a significant concern. Research indicates that approximately 32% of women with HELLP syndrome experience AKI. The kidneys are vital for filtering waste, maintaining electrolyte balance, and hormone production, and the impact of AKI can have serious implications for overall health. It is crucial to understand the connection between HELLP syndrome and kidney health for early detection and intervention.

What are the main risk factors that can lead to AKI in the context of HELLP syndrome?

Several factors can contribute to the development of AKI in women with HELLP syndrome. These include reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to vasoconstriction, which impairs their ability to filter waste. Endothelial damage, which can lead to inflammation and impaired kidney function. Microangiopathic hemolysis, where the breakdown of red blood cells releases substances that damage the kidneys. Furthermore, complications like Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and severe pre-eclampsia, often associated with HELLP, can also compromise kidney function and increase the risk of AKI.

What symptoms should I look out for to identify HELLP syndrome and potential AKI?

Recognizing the symptoms of HELLP syndrome and AKI is crucial for timely intervention. The symptoms of HELLP syndrome include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, and visual disturbances. AKI may manifest as decreased urine output, swelling, and fatigue. Prompt medical attention is essential if any of these symptoms are experienced, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical management, such as supportive care and monitoring, can minimize the risk of severe kidney damage. This may include blood transfusions and sometimes delivery of the baby.

How can I protect my kidney health if I am diagnosed with HELLP syndrome?

Early diagnosis and proper medical management are key to protecting kidney health when dealing with HELLP syndrome. Treatment typically involves supportive care, and close monitoring of the mother and baby. If the condition is severe, then delivery of the baby may be necessary to stop the progression of the disease. The goal of treatment is to prevent further complications, improve outcomes, and preserve kidney function. Early detection and prompt intervention is the best chance to minimize the risk of AKI, and potential long-term health problems. It is also essential to have a multi-disciplinary team of medical experts to work with the mother to ensure the best outcomes.