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NINDS Antiphospholipid Syndrome Information Page

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Synonym(s):   Hughes Syndrome

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder caused when antibodies -- immune system cells that fight off bacteria and viruses -- mistakenly attack healthy body tissues and organs.  In APS, specific antibodies activate the inner lining of blood vessels, which leads to the formation of blood clots in arteries or veins.  APS is sometimes called “sticky blood syndrome,” because of the increased tendency to form blood clots in the veins and arteries.  The symptoms of APS are due to the abnormal blood clotting.  Clots can develop in the veins of the legs and lungs, or in the placenta of pregnant women.  One of the most serious complications of APS occurs when a clot forms in the brain and causes a stroke.  Other neurological symptoms include chronic headaches, dementia (similar to the dementia of Alzheimer’s disease), and seizures.  Infrequently, individuals will develop chorea (a movement disorder in which the body and limbs writhe uncontrollably), cognitive dysfunction (such as poor memory), transverse myelitis, depression or psychosis, optic neuropathy, or sudden hearing loss.  In pregnant women, clots in the placenta can cause miscarriages.  APS is diagnosed by the presence of a positive antiphospholipid antibody and either a history of blood clots in an artery or vein or a history of multiple miscarriages or other pregnancy problems.  Some individuals will have a characteristic lacy, net-like red rash called livedo reticularis over their wrists and knees. 

Is there any treatment?

The main goal of treatment is to thin the blood to reduce clotting.  At present, the recommended treatment is low-dose aspirin.  For individuals who have already had a stroke or experience recurrent clots, doctors recommend treatment with the anticoagulant warfarin.  Pregnant women are treated with either aspirin or another anticoagulant -- heparin -- since warfarin can cause birth defects.

What is the prognosis?

APS improves significantly with anticoagulation therapy, which reduces the risk of further clots in veins and arteries.  Treatment should be lifelong, since there is a high risk of further clots in individuals who stop warfarin treatment.  Doctors often recommend that individuals stop smoking, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet to prevent high blood pressure and diabetes, which are diseases that increase the risk for stroke.  Treating pregnant women with aspirin or heparin usually prevents miscarriages related to APS. 

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) support research on APS through grants to major medical institutions across the country.   NINDS is currently funding a clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of warfarin versus aspirin treatment in reducing recurrent strokes in individuals with APS.  NINDS is also funding efforts to find additional indicators in the blood, such as certain antibodies, that could help doctors more accurately predict an individual’s risk for recurrent stroke. 

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.



Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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Last updated August 15, 2008