What is antiphospholipid syndrome mechanism?
Pathogenesis. Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease, in which “antiphospholipid antibodies” (anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant) react against proteins that bind to anionic phospholipids on plasma membranes. Like many autoimmune diseases, it is more common in women than in men.
How is antiphospholipid syndrome caused?
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is caused by the body’s immune system producing abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies. This increases the risk of blood clots developing in the blood vessels, which can lead to serious health problems, such as: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) strokes.
How does antiphospholipid syndrome affect the heart?
People with APS can sometimes develop blood clots in the coronary arteries which supply the blood and oxygen to the heart – these clots can cause a sudden heart attack (known medically as a coronary thrombosis or myocardial infarction).
What do antiphospholipid antibodies do?
Antiphospholipid antibodies are a group of immune proteins (antibodies) that the body mistakenly produces against itself in an autoimmune response to phospholipids. Tests can detect these autoantibodies that bind to phospholipids and, in a way that is not well understood, increase the risk of excessive blood clotting.
How does antiphospholipid cause clotting?
Antiphospholipid (AN-te-fos-fo-LIP-id) syndrome occurs when your immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that make your blood much more likely to clot. This can cause dangerous blood clots in the legs, kidneys, lungs and brain.
Can someone with antiphospholipid syndrome have a baby?
Most APS patients give birth to healthy babies; however these babies are prone to low birth weight. In some cases aPL may be detected in the baby’s blood at birth as a consequence of maternal transmission; however, the antibodies tend to disappear within the first six months and usually do not result in blood clots.
How do we diagnose the antiphospholipid syndrome?
To diagnose APS, the blood needs to be tested for the abnormal antiphospholipid antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots. This requires a blood test specifically designed to look for these antibodies. A diagnosis of APS can only be made after 2 abnormal blood test results, with at least a 12-week gap between them.
Can antiphospholipid syndrome be cured?
As of now, there is no cure for Antiphospholipid Syndrome. However, there are medications which help in preventing any complications that can arise due to this condition. The main aim of providing treatment to people with Antiphospholipid Syndrome is to prevent formation of blood clots.
Can antiphospholipid syndrome go away?
No. The antibody might go away but not the disease. You are still at risk. One of the worries we have faced is that in one or two patients who have gone negative, where we have stopped the anticoagulant, they have had another thrombosis. We are very ignorant about what to do in that situation.
