Antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder of coagulation, and causes thrombosis in both arteries and veins.

It is an autoimmune disease, in which antibodies react against anionic phospholipids on ??? cell membranes. People with this disease also are thrombocytopenic (low platelet number).

It has an association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), many people with antiphospholipid syndrome will go on to develop SLE. Being an autoimmune disease, it is more common in women than in men.

This disease is often picked up in women by noticing recurrent miscarriages, (usually terminating in the second trimester).

Antiphospholipid syndrome is tested for in the laboratory by two tests. The person will have a prolonged APTT, that will not be corrected with a 50:50 mixture with normal plasma. This result is known as lupus anticoagulant. As well this, there is an immunological test which detects if there are antibodies in the plasma that react with cardiolipin.

This disease is treated by giving aspirin to inhibit platelet activation, and warfarin as an anticoagulant (heparin is used during pregnancy, because of warfarin's teratogenicity.)