Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Also known as: APS, Hughes syndrome

An autoimmune condition where antibodies make the blood more likely to clot, causing clots in veins or arteries and pregnancy complications.

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How it works · Autoimmunity

The immune system protects you

B cells make antibodies, Y-shaped proteins that tag germs so the rest of the immune system can clear them.

What it is

In antiphospholipid syndrome the immune system makes antibodies against proteins bound to phospholipids in cell membranes. These antibodies increase the tendency to form blood clots. APS can occur on its own or alongside lupus.

Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke or heart attack at a young age, recurrent miscarriage or late pregnancy loss, and a lacy purple skin pattern called livedo reticularis.

How it’s diagnosed

Diagnosis requires a clotting event or pregnancy complication plus positive antiphospholipid antibody tests (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin or anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I) confirmed at least 12 weeks apart.

Treatment

People who have had a clot usually need long-term anticoagulation, most often warfarin. Low-dose aspirin and heparin are used in pregnancy. Hydroxychloroquine may help, especially with lupus.

Living with it

Avoid estrogen-containing birth control, stay active on long trips and manage blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking. Plan pregnancies with your rheumatologist and obstetrician.

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