Lupus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

About 1 out of 3 people with Reference lupus Opens New Window produce an Reference antibody Opens New Window that attacks certain blood-clotting factors, which can cause the blood to clot easily.^{Reference 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:

• Reference Stroke Opens New Window, Reference transient ischemic attack (TIA) Opens New Window, or Reference heart attack Opens New Window.
• Reference Deep vein thrombosis Opens New Window or Reference pulmonary embolism Opens New Window.
• Reference Multi-infarct dementia Opens New Window.
• Reference Gangrene Opens New Window of fingers or toes.
• Reference Kidney Opens New Window disease.
• Reference Preeclampsia Opens New Window, premature birth, and Reference miscarriage or stillbirth Opens New Window, apparently caused by blood circulation problems in the Reference placenta Opens New Window.

A blood test can detect antiphospholipid antibodies. When diagnosed, the condition is usually treated with Reference anticoagulants Opens New Window. Pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome need to be closely monitored.

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