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Key Points
- Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is an
autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system makes
antibodies that attack and damage the bodys tissues or cells by mistake.
- In APS, the body makes antibodies that attack
phospholipidsa type of fat. This can cause blood clots to form in the
bodys arteries and veins. Blood clots can limit or block blood flow and
damage the bodys organs.
- Some people have the APS antibodies, but
dont ever have signs or symptoms of the disorder. The presence of APS
antibodies, by itself, doesnt mean that you have APS. To be diagnosed
with APS, you must have APS antibodies and a history of health problems related
to the disorder.
- APS can lead to a number of health problems, such
as
stroke,
heart
attack, kidney damage,
deep
vein thrombosis, or
pulmonary
embolism. In women, APS raises the risk for miscarriages, stillbirths, and
other pregnancy-related problems. In some cases, APS can cause death.
- APS can affect people of any age. The disorder is
more common in women and people who have other autoimmune or rheumatic
disorders, such as
lupus.
- The signs and symptoms of APS are related to
abnormal blood clotting. The outcome of the blood clot depends on its size and
location.
- Common signs and symptoms of blood clots include
chest pain and shortness of breath; pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the
limbs; ongoing headaches; speech changes; upper body discomfort in the arms,
back, neck, and jaw; and nausea (feeling sick to your stomach).
- Your doctor will diagnose APS based on your
medical history and the results from
blood
tests. Blood tests can confirm if you have any APS antibodies.
- APS has no cure. However, some medicines can help
prevent complications. Anticoagulants, or "blood thinners," are used to stop
blood clots from forming. These medicines also keep existing clots from getting
larger.
- The most common side effect of blood thinners is
bleeding. This happens if the medicine thins your blood too much. Bleeding can
occur inside your body (internal bleeding) or on the skin. Talk to your doctor
about the warning signs of internal bleeding and when to seek emergency
care.
- If you have APS, its important to take all
of your medicines as your doctor prescribes, get ongoing medical care, and talk
to your doctor about healthy lifestyle changes and other concerns.
- Research is ongoing for new ways to treat
APS.
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Living With Links
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