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Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome explained -

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes syndrome, is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots.

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Abnormal blood clotting -

The condition causes abnormal blood clots to form in veins and arteries.

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Autoimmune disorders -

Autoimmune disorders occur when your body's immune system makes antibodies that attack and damage your own tissues or cells.

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Abnormal antibodies -

Normally, antibodies protect your body from viruses or bacteria. But APS produces abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies that attack healthy cells.

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Increased risk of blood clots -

These target proteins attached to fat molecules (phospholipids), which significantly raises the risk of blood clots.

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Causes -

It's not clear what causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies. However, as with other autoimmune conditions, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are thought to play a part.

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Who's affected? -

APS can strike people of all ages, including children and babies. But like most autoimmune diseases, APS is five times more common in women than in men.

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Association with lupus -

According to the APS Foundation of America (APSFA), up to 15% of patients with the condition also have systemic lupus erythematosus, another autoimmune disease.

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Signs and symptoms of APS -

High levels of APS antibodies in the blood increase the risk of a variety of health problems. These include chest pain and shortness of breath.

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Nausea -

Waves of nausea and repeated headaches or migraines are classic indicators of APS.

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Mobility issues -

Dizziness, lack of coordination, and problems with balance are all symptoms of abnormal blood clotting.

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Vision problems -

People with APS may also experience double vision, or blurred eyesight.

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Speech problems and memory loss -

APS can cause problems with speech. Less commonly, it can induce bouts of amnesia.

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Swelling in arms or legs -

Those with APS may suffer from pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the arms or legs. A tingling sensation—pins and needles—may also be present.

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Fatigue -

Extreme exhaustion coupled with upper body discomfort in the arms, back, neck, and jaw are other signs that you may have APS.

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Complications from APS -

The thickening of the circulating blood associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is responsible for a range of serious health risks.

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Pregnancy problems -

Unfortunately, women with APS have a much higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy, particularly if it's not treated promptly. These include possible miscarriage or premature birth.

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Heart attack -

Furthermore, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a major contributor to heart attacks.

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Deep vein thrombosis -

APS can trigger deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg.

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Stroke -

The chances of suffering a stroke increase with APS. A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It can be fatal.

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Diagnosing APS -

An accurate diagnosis of APS is vital because blood clots can have serious consequences. Tests used in determining the condition include specific blood tests and a medical assessment.

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Treatment -

There is no cure for APS. Instead, treatment of the condition is aimed towards reducing the risk of developing more blood clots. A patient will likely be prescribed anticoagulant medicine such as warfarin. Antiplatelet medication such as low-dose aspirin may also be prescribed.

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Other common treatments -

A physician may recommend a course of cortisone drugs to control the inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases.

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Treatment during pregnancy -

In pregnant women with APS, treatment with low‐dose aspirin and therapeutic‐dose heparin is recommended. It's very important to speak with your doctor before taking any drugs, because some medications used to treat APS can also harm an unborn baby.

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Living with APS -

You can reduce the risk of developing blood clots by making healthy lifestyle changes. For example, if you smoke, quit.

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Lifestyle changes -

Eating a healthy balanced diet low in fat and sugar and containing plenty of fruit and vegetables is always recommended.

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Exercise regularly -

Regular exercise, jogging daily for example, is an excellent way of maintaining overall health.

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Maintain a healthy weight -

Check your weight. If you're obese (have a body mass index of over 30) then it's time to diet. Seriously.

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Stay alert! -

It's worth wearing a medical alert bracelet. This will draw health professionals to the fact that you have a blood clotting disorder, in case of an accident.

See also: The health risks of each blood type

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