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Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder in which the immune system produces antibodies that assault bodily tissues. These antibodies have the potential to produce blood clots in arteries and veins.
Clots in the legs, lungs, and other organs such as the kidneys and spleen can occur. Clots can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other complications. Antiphospholipid syndrome can potentially cause miscarriage and stillbirth during pregnancy. Some people with the illness have no indications or symptoms.
Although there is no cure for this rare disorder, drugs can minimize the risk of blood clots and miscarriage.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANTIPHOSPHOLID SYNDROME?
Antiphospholipid syndrome can manifest as the following signs and symptoms:
- Blood clots in legs (DVT): DVT symptoms include discomfort, edema, and redness. These clots have the potential to go to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Miscarriages or stillbirths on multiple occasions: Other pregnancy problems include dangerously high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and early delivery.
- Stroke: A young person with antiphospholipid syndrome but no recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease can have a stroke.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): A TIA, like a stroke, usually lasts a few minutes and produces no permanent harm.
- Rash: A red rash with a lacy, net-like appearance appears in some persons.
Signs and symptoms that are less common include:
- Neurological symptoms: When a blood clot limits blood flow to areas of the brain, it can cause chronic headaches, including migraines, dementia, and seizures.
- Cardiovascular disease: The antiphospholipid syndrome can cause heart valve degeneration.
- Low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia): This decrease in the number of blood cells required for clotting can result in episodes of bleeding, most notably from the nose and mouth. Bleeding into the skin causes regions of little red dots to form.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
If you experience inexplicable bleeding from your nose or gums, an unusually heavy menstrual cycle, vomit that is bright red or looks like coffee grounds, black, tarry, or bright red stool, or unexplained abdominal pain, see your doctor.
Seek emergency assistance if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Stroke: A brain clot can cause numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your face, arm, or leg. You may experience difficulties speaking or comprehending others, as well as visual abnormalities and a severe headache.
- Pulmonary embolism: If a clot becomes lodged in your lung, you may have shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up bloody mucus.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT symptoms include edema, redness, or pain in a leg or arm.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ANTIPHOSPHOLID SYNDROME?
Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when the immune system creates antibodies that cause blood to clot significantly more easily. Antibodies normally protect the body from intruders like viruses and bacteria.
An underlying illness, such as an autoimmune ailment, can induce antiphospholipid syndrome. The syndrome can also emerge in the absence of an underlying cause.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ANTIPHOSPHOLID SYNDROME?
Women are more likely than men to develop antiphospholipid syndrome. Antiphospholipid syndrome is more likely if you have another autoimmune disorder, such as lupus.
It is possible to have antiphospholipid syndrome antibodies without experiencing any symptoms. Having these antibodies, however, raises your chance of developing blood clots, especially if you:
- Get pregnant
- Are stationary for an extended period of time, such as when on bed rest or during a lengthy flight
- Perform surgery
- Smoke cigarettes
- Use oral contraceptives or estrogen therapy for menopause
- Have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ANTIPHOSPHOLID SYNDROME?
Antiphospholipid syndrome complications can include:
- Kidney failure: This can occur as a result of decreased blood supply to your kidneys.
- Stroke: A stroke can occur when blood supply to a portion of your brain is reduced, resulting in irreversible neurological impairment such as partial paralysis and loss of speech.
- Cardiovascular problems: A blood clot in your leg might harm the vein valves that keep blood flowing to your heart. This might cause persistent edema and discolouration in your lower legs. Heart injury is another potential consequence.
- Lung problems: These can include pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism.
- Pregnancy complications: Miscarriages, stillbirths, early birth, delayed fetal growth, and dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy are examples (preeclampsia).
In rare situations, antiphospholipid syndrome can cause various organ damage in a short period of time.
HOW IS ANTIPHOSPHOLID DIAGNOSED?
If you've had episodes of blood clots or pregnancy loss that aren't explained by established health concerns, your doctor can order blood tests to look for clotting and the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome antibodies.
To confirm an antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosis, the antibodies must be found in your blood at least twice, at least 12 weeks apart.
You can have antiphospholipid antibodies without experiencing any symptoms. Only when these antibodies produce health problems is antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosed.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ANTIPHOSPHOLID?
If you have blood clots, the typical first-line treatment is a cocktail of blood-thinning drugs. Heparin and warfarin are the most commonly used (Jantoven). Heparin is a fast-acting medication that is administered through injections. Warfarin is taken as a tablet and takes several days to take effect. Aspirin is a blood thinner as well.
You are more likely to experience bleeding episodes if you use blood thinners. Blood tests will be performed by your doctor to ensure that your blood is capable of clotting sufficiently to stop the bleeding from a cut or the bleeding under the skin from a bruise.
There is some indication that additional medicines may be beneficial in the treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), rituximab (Rituxan), and statins are examples. More research is required.
Treatment when pregnant
With medication, it is possible to have a successful pregnancy if you have antiphospholipid syndrome. Heparin or heparin plus aspirin is commonly used to treat the condition. Warfarin is not prescribed to pregnant women since it can harm the fetus.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ANTIPHOSPHOLID SYNDROME
Other precautions you might take to protect your health depend on your antiphospholipid syndrome treatment plan. Take particular precautions if you take blood-thinning drugs to avoid injury and bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports and other activities that could result in bruising, injury, or a fall.
- Use a gentle toothbrush and waxed floss to clean your teeth.
- Using an electric razor, shave.
- When utilizing knives, scissors, or other sharp objects, exercise extreme caution.
- Contraception and menopause should be avoided by women who use estrogen therapy.
Dietary supplements and food
Certain foods and drugs can impair the effectiveness of blood thinners. Inquire with your health care provider about:
- Safe dietary choices: Warfarin's effectiveness can be reduced by vitamin K, but not by other blood thinners. You may need to limit your intake of vitamin K-rich foods including avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, leafy greens, and garbanzo beans. Warfarin's blood-thinning effect can be exacerbated by alcohol. Consult your doctor if you should limit or avoid drinking.
- Medication and nutritional supplements that are safe: Certain drugs, supplements, and herbal preparations can have harmful interactions with warfarin. Pain relievers, cold medicines, stomach remedies, and multivitamins are examples, as are garlic, ginkgo, and green tea.