Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome or Hughes syndrome, is a rare autoimmune disorder in which there are recurring episodes of blood clots formation. Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs because an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal proteins in the blood, causing blood clots to form in arteries or veins. It can cause pregnancy complications, premature heart attacks, migraine headaches, various cardiac vascular abnormalities, skin lesions, and abnormal movement that mimics multiple sclerosis. APS may occur as an isolated disorder (primary antiphospholipid syndrome) or may occur along with another autoimmune disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (secondary antiphospholipid syndrome).

 

Synonyms

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome
  • Hughes syndrome
  • Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome or Hughes syndrome, is a rare autoimmune disorder in which there are recurring episodes of blood clots formation. Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs because an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal proteins in the blood, causing blood clots to form in arteries or veins. It can cause pregnancy complications, premature heart attacks, migraine headaches, various cardiac vascular abnormalities, skin lesions, and abnormal movement that mimics multiple sclerosis. APS may occur as an isolated disorder (primary antiphospholipid syndrome) or may occur along with another autoimmune disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (secondary antiphospholipid syndrome).

Acknowledgement of Antiphospholipid Syndrome has not been added yet.

Antiphospholipid syndrome affects both males and females, but a large percentage of primary APS patients are women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Specifically, the disorder affects three to five times as many women as men. APS can affect people of all ages, including children and babies. However, it usually affects adults aged 20–50. No defined racial predominance for primary APS has been documented. The statistical prevalence of APS is 1 in 1000. In Europe, APS may affect 2-5% of the general population. Some estimates indicate that as many as 1 in 5 cases of miscarriage or deep vein thrombosis are due to APS.

Name Abbreviation
Antiphospholipid syndrome APS
Antiphospholipid syndrome APLS
Hughes syndrome APS
Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome APS

Antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when your body mistakenly produces antibodies against proteins that bind to phospholipids, a type of fat present in the body. Antibodies are produced by the body to fight off infections. In autoimmune disorders antibodies mistakenly target healthy tissue. In antiphospholipid syndrome, antibodies attack phospholipid-binding proteins. This can ultimately make the blood to clot abnormally. Primary antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when there no other conditions associated. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome occurs if an individual has another autoimmune disorder, most commonly lupus.

The exact underlying reason why the body produces these antibodies is unknown. APS most likely results from the interaction of multiple factors including genetic, environmental and immunologic factors (multifactorial). Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing the disorder. A genetic predisposition means that an individual carries a gene or gene(s) for a particular disorder, but that the disorder will not develop unless additional factors such as an environmental factor or additional genetic alteration occurs.

 

The specific symptoms will vary based upon the exact location of the blood clots, which can form in arteries or veins. In some people the disorder will cause infrequent, minor clots that do not cause significant problems, while in others frequent clots forming in critical blood vessel pathways can cause severe, even life-threatening complications. The disorder is often seen in young or middle-aged adults.

Any organ system is the body can potentially be affected and, consequently, the specific symptoms that can develop can vary significantly. For instance, deep vein thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in the large, deep veins of the legs is common. The legs may be painful and swollen. If a piece of the blood clot breaks off, it may travel to the lungs and cause a blockage in the lungs’ main artery, a condition known as pulmonary embolism.    

Blood clots that form in blood vessels serving the brain can cause stroke, mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks), memory loss, seizures, jerky involuntary movements (chorea), and vision abnormalities.

In women affected by APS who become pregnant, there is an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth.

Other potential findings include low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), heart valve disease, skin ulcers particularly in the legs, and livedo reticularis (discoloration of skin caused by dilation of capillary blood vessels).

Some individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome may have a history of headaches or migraines. Additional findings have been described based upon the exact location of blood clots. Abnormalities affecting the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems and the kidneys can also occur.

A diagnosis is mainly obtained through blood tests to check for abnormal clotting and for the presence of antibodies to phospholipid-binding proteins in individuals who have symptoms indicative of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Diagnostic tests for antiphospholipid syndrome are typically blood tests. Blood tests look for at least one of the following three antibodies in the blood: lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, beta-2 glycoprotein I. APS cannot be detected during routine blood tests, so tests specifically designed to look for these antibodies need to be carried out. Two abnormal blood test results with at least a 12-week gap in between are required for APS to be diagnosed.

ELISA, or enzyme-linked ImmunoSorbent assay, can detect the presence of antibodies that target specific proteins in the blood, namely beta2-glycoprotein I or prothrombin.

As of now, there is no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome. Medical treatment usually consists of anticoagulants that reduce the blood's tendency to clot. This doesn't cure the disease but does help to prevent most serious complications. Individuals with mild disease may be treated with low doses of aspirin. Otherwise, stronger medications known as heparin or warfarin may be used.

With appropriate medication and lifestyle modifications, most individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome lead normal healthy lives. Survival rates of this disease are high. However, catastrophic APS is severe and can often cause life-threatening complications.

If antiphospholipid syndrome requires that a person takes anticoagulant medication, extra precautions should be taken to avoid injury and to avoid bleeding. Avoiding contact sports or other activities that could cause bruising or injury is recommended. Individuals may need to use a softer toothbrush and waxed floss, shave with an electric razor, and take extra care when using knives, scissors and other sharp tools since any cuts may cause large amounts of bleeding.

Affected individuals can also take certain steps to reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Effective ways of achieving this include not smoking, eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat and sugar and contains plenty of fruit and vegetables, taking regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

Individuals taking warfarin should avoid diets that are high in foods containing vitamin K because this vitamin can lessen the effect of warfarin.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Familial. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) website. http://www.omim.org/entry/107320 Updated December 20, 2012. 

Antiphospholipid Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) website. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/antiphospholipid-syndrome/. Updated 2011. 

Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antiphospholipid-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20028805  Updated April 15, 2014. 

Brock CO, Brohl AS, Obican SG. Incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome. Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today. 2015;105(3) :201-208.

Erkan D, Aguiar CL, Andrade D, et al. 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies: task force report on antiphospholipid syndrome treatment needs. Autoimmun Rev. 2014;13(6):685-696.

Hughes G. Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Orphanet website. Available at : http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?Lng=GB&Expert=80  Updated July 2011 

Movva S, Carsons S, Belilos E. Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Emedicine website.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/333221-followup#e7

Updated March 24, 2015. 


Wong RC, Favaloro EJ. Clinical features, diagnosis, and management of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2008;34(3)295-304.

Thick Blood Created by Lala
Last updated 18 Sep 2010, 12:55 AM

Posted by sportingdog
18 Sep 2010, 12:55 AM

I am a wife of a man with APS but he has not experienced any clotting, TBI's, or strokes. His has affected his organs and neurologic more than anything. He is a rare case of an APS patient that has not experienced much of the common affects from this disorder. I recommend also joining the APSFA.org forum as one of the facilitators and founders of the website lives just a few minutes from me. This forum has been great and the information they have on their website is endless as they have many Dr's that are part of the membership and continued studies on this disorder that is often missed in diagnosing. My husband was initially diagnosed with APS in 1995 but they were only telling him to take an aspirin a day until in April of 2009 he had a gran-mal seizure and we have been seeing specialists ever since. APS is only one of the health issues my husband faces since he is a 2 time Gulf War Veteran and has numerous service related conditions. APS only exasperates some of his conditions.

Posted by ladybloobalot
12 Sep 2010, 08:49 PM

Hi There Kgirl - I don't know if you're still checking the site, but I know another girl your age who has Sneddon's Syndrome, which is very closely related to APS. I can put the two of you in touch if you like - Hope you're well - Diane (aka "Ladybloobalot")

Posted by kgirl
27 Mar 2009, 09:17 PM

Hi, I've had APS for about 2years now, since i was 17. there was a lump in my throat which they found out to be a blood clot. after more than a week of tests they concluded that i had APS. it came from nowhere, i had hardly ever been ill before, or suffered from any thrombosis, clotting or strokes etc. i don't really understand how i suddenly became ill with this syndrome and have never spoken to anyone about it apart from family and friends. i take warfarin and hydroxychloroquine for life now, and sometimes i think do i really need to take it all the time. i am only 19 and don't know anyone else who has APS. i would love to talk more to others about it

View Full Thread (2 more posts)
Community External News Link
Title Date Link
Kids with rare autoimmune disease show these symptoms before blood clots 03/27/2022
Community Resources
Title Description Date Link
APS Foundation of America

The APS Foundation of America is dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) in an effective and ethical manner.

03/20/2017

Clinical Trials


Cords registry

CoRDS, or the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford, is based at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It provides researchers with a centralized, international patient registry for all rare diseases. This program allows patients and researchers to connect as easily as possible to help advance treatments and cures for rare diseases. The CoRDS team works with patient advocacy groups, individuals and researchers to help in the advancement of research in over 7,000 rare diseases. The registry is free for patients to enroll and researchers to access.

Enrolling is easy.

  1. Complete the screening form.
  2. Review the informed consent.
  3. Answer the permission and data sharing questions.

After these steps, the enrollment process is complete. All other questions are voluntary. However, these questions are important to patients and their families to create awareness as well as to researchers to study rare diseases. This is why we ask our participants to update their information annually or anytime changes to their information occur.

Researchers can contact CoRDS to determine if the registry contains participants with the rare disease they are researching. If the researcher determines there is a sufficient number of participants or data on the rare disease of interest within the registry, the researcher can apply for access. Upon approval from the CoRDS Scientific Advisory Board, CoRDS staff will reach out to participants on behalf of the researcher. It is then up to the participant to determine if they would like to join the study.

Visit sanfordresearch.org/CoRDS to enroll.

Community Leaders

 

Expert Questions

Ask a question

Community User List

I have had 3 strokes since the age of 33 & diagnosed with sneddons after numerous procedures which are still continuing. Scans have shown a rare abnormality in the brain vessels which I have been...
IT technician and sales consultant for major office equipment manufacturer. Christian. 2 children a boy and a girl. Married. Have had 3 major events of CAPS, first two incidents were clotting, now...
I actually would like to be part of several home communities as I have a son with 4 q deletion and Pierre Robin. My husband has Antiphospholipid Syndrome and multiple other disabilities caused from...

Diagnosed JO-1 positive in Sept. 2008

 

 

I had quit my job in spring 2007 to go back to school and get my degree in Interior Design. I have been sick for a year now. I was in the...

So unique it is not listed in the home community.

 

 

I have a unique blood disorder which caused mulitple strokes.

 

 

Antiphospolipid antibody.

 

 

The neurologist told...
I have Sneddon's Syndrome and am the president of the fledgling US Sneddon's Foundation.

Start a Community


Don't See Your Condition On Rareshare?

Start your own! With a worldwide network of 8,000 users, you won't be the only member of your community for long.

FAQ


Have questions about rareshare?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Discussion Forum

Thick Blood

Created by Lala | Last updated 18 Sep 2010, 12:55 AM


Communities

Our Communities

Join Rareshare to meet other people that have been touched by rare diseases. Learn, engage, and grow with our communities.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Physicians

Our Resources

Our rare disease resources include e-books and podcasts

VIEW OUR EBOOKS

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS

VIEW OUR GUIDES

Leaders

Our Community Leaders

Community leaders are active users that have been touched by the rare disease that they are a part of. Not only are they there to help facilitate conversations and provide new information that is relevant for the group, but they are there for you and to let you know you have a support system on Rareshare.