Lupus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Topic Overview
About 1 out of 3 people with lupus produce an antibody that attacks certain blood-clotting factors, which can cause the blood to clot easily. footnote 1 A person who has this antibody and has had blood clots is said to have antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This can lead to mild or severe blood-clotting complications, including:
- Stroke , transient ischemic attack (TIA) , or heart attack .
- Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism .
- Multi-infarct dementia .
- Gangrene of fingers or toes.
- Kidney disease.
- Preeclampsia , premature birth, and miscarriage or stillbirth , apparently caused by blood circulation problems in the placenta .
A blood test can detect antiphospholipid antibodies. When diagnosed, the condition is usually treated with anticoagulants . Pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome need to be closely monitored.
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Current as of: December 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Nancy Ann Shadick MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
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Current as of: December 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Nancy Ann Shadick MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology