What Is HELLP Syndrome?
5. Elevated liver enzymes
The endothelial disruption that occurs in HELLP syndrome can also affect the blood vessels in the liver. As mentioned before, endothelial insult leads to platelet activation and fibrin deposition, which can ultimately lead to the obstruction of blood flow through hepatic sinusoids (blood vessels). When the cells of the liver, especially those localized around the portal venules, receive inadequate perfusion they may eventually undergo a process of cellular death known as necrosis (periportal necrosis) that can result in liver failure. Furthermore, in severe cases, liver damage can be extensive (i.e. intrahepatic hemorrhage, subcapsular hematoma, hepatic rupture).
Importantly, liver damage can be detected through the elevation of certain liver enzymes known as transaminases: alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). However, transaminase elevation is not specific for HELLP syndrome.
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