HELLP and MTHFR

[twolfgram]

Now I am worried and confused. I've had HELLP Syndrome and diagnosed homozygous for MTHFR. The perinatalogist said to take baby aspirin and use heparin therapy in any future pg. Will the heparin hurt me as far as the history of HELLP is concerned? I don't want to take any unnecessary risks. Any advice would be helpful.

Therese Mom to
Jonathan - 28 weeks born 10/4/95
Angel in Heaven - Erik 12/20/02

[expert on call]

The MTHFR mutation is very common. 10% of the caucasian population has this mutation. While heparin and baby aspirin can be used in women who have had HELLP--many professionals use folic acid 1-4 mg per day to address the deficit caused by MTHFR. This is less invasive therapy. I would go back to my perinatologist and discuss this option with him or her.

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.

[expert on call]

It should be noted that heparin does have side effects--you should discuss these with your perinatologist.

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.

[twolfgram]

Thank you for your response - a followup question is this - I was on prenatal vitamins with both pregnancies, and still had the abruption at 29 weeks with the second. Both my OB and my perinatalogist said this was probably due to the MTHFR mutation. Is that correct and is there not enough folic acid in the prenatals or did I start taking them too late - I was 11 weeks along when I found out I was pregnant. The perinatalogist said we'd need to start the heparin at about 42 days.

Therese Mom to
Jonathan - 28 weeks born 10/4/95
Angel in Heaven - Erik 12/20/02