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Antiphospholipid syndrome is also known as Hughes' Syndrome (named
after the doctor who discovered it - Dr Graham Hughes).
Patients with antiphospholipid antibodies & certain symptoms
are usually diagnosed with Antiphospholipid Syndrome. These patients
have an increased risk of thrombosis (clotting) in veins & arteries.
It can be present in lupus patients & also non-lupus patients.
The main
symptoms of the syndrome are-
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Vein Thrombosis (leg, arm or internal organ)
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Artery Thrombosis -
Brain - headaches, neurological features
Limb - pain and circulation problems
Heart - chest pain
Other organs - lungs, kidneys
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Recurrent abortion or miscarriage (usually in the 2nd or 3rd
trimester.
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Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
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Livedo reticularis (lacy, mottled pattern on skin)
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Migraine
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Epilepsy
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Memory loss
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Chorea (abnormal motor skills)
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Stoke
Testing for
the antiphospholipid antibody
The anticardiolipin (ACA) test measures the actual antibody levels.
The three classes of anticardiolipin that are usually tested for
are - IgG, IgM & Iga.
Another test, the lupus anticoagulant is a more complicated test
& is far less reliable.
Treatment
The drugs commonly used to treat it are aspirin, Warfarin &
Heparin, which help to thin the blood. Aspirin is often given in
small doses (75mgs-100mgs daily), this makes the platelets less
sticky, which helps to prevent a thrombosis.
Warfarin is usually given to patients who have a larger thrombosis.
Warfarin cannot be given to patients who are pregnant, so Heparin
is normally used in these cases.
In some patients, anticoagulant therapy is life-long.
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