Pre-e/HELLP and lupus?

[angelical]

I was just wondering what the current thinking is on a possible link between pree/HELLP and lupus?

One of my mom's friends probably had at least pree, and more likely HELLP, about thirty years ago. She had severe morning sickness (as I did), and was diagnosed with gall bladder disease, but it is possible (maybe?) that that pain was actually that that is associated with pree/HELLP.

Now, she is fighting a battle with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

It seems like I have read somewhere that there is some possibility that all of this is linked. What do you know about it?

Is there any bloodwork that I should have done now to find the possiblity for such things later in life? It isn't exactly something that I want sneaking up on me. :-(

Thanks!
Sharel [V]

Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLLP

[expert on call]

There appears to be an immunologic component to the development of preeclampsia, and diseases such as lupus or arthritis are often thought to put patients at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, having preeclampsia doesn't put you at a higher risk of developing lupus later in life. Clouding this issue is the fact that the diagnosis of lupus can be very complicated and is not always clear-cut. The morning sickness may or may not be related. I don't think you should be screened for lupus just because you have high blood pressure in pregnancy. If you are concerned about it enough, you might want to consult with your doctor about your fears so that some tests can be run.

Expert on Call

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