In managing HELLP syndrome, which multidisciplinary action is essential?

• A. Isolate patient from team.
• B. Delay delivery to monitor labs.
• C. Increase dietary iron.
• D. Expedite delivery and coordinate with obstetric team.

Answer: (D)

The essential approach in HELLP syndrome is that the definitive treatment is rapid delivery of the fetus and placenta, with the mother stabilized in the process. Delivering promptly helps halt the pathophysiology driving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets, and the maternal condition often worsens if delivery is delayed. Achieving this safely requires a true multidisciplinary effort: obstetrics leads the decision and timing of delivery, anesthesia supports the procedure, critical care monitors the patient’s hemodynamics and organ systems, magnesium sulfate is used for seizure prophylaxis, and blood bank/transfusion services are ready to manage potential coagulopathy or anemia. The neonatal team is also prepared for the preterm infant that may result from expedited delivery. Practices that isolate the patient from the care team or delay delivery do not fit the urgency of HELLP, and increasing dietary iron has no role in treating this acute condition.