What condition may be associated with HELLP syndrome?

HELLP syndrome is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It is most commonly associated with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are hypertensive disorders arising during pregnancy. The relationship between HELLP syndrome and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is well established; these conditions often overlap and can complicate the clinical management of pregnant patients.

Hypertensive disorders, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, pose risks not only to the mother but also to the fetus. Consequently, monitoring and managing blood pressure in pregnant individuals is crucial. When blood pressure remains uncontrolled or when preeclampsia develops, the risk of HELLP syndrome increases, necessitating awareness and immediate intervention to mitigate maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

The other conditions listed, such as sepsis, gestational diabetes, and vaginal infections, do not have the same direct correlation with HELLP syndrome as hypertensive disorders do. While these conditions can occur during pregnancy, they are not characteristically associated with the specific pathophysiology seen in HELLP syndrome.