Antiphospholipid syndrome, or APS, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects young women. In this condition, the body mistakenly produces antiphospholipid autoantibodies against its cells. The accumulation of this protein disrupts blood flow and results in serious clot formation in veins and arteries. This can affect a fetus in development and may lead to miscarriage. These clots can also result from heart attacks, strokes, and other illnesses. Read this article to learn more about the condition.

Symptoms
The symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome may vary. However, the most common symptoms include:

Rash: A red rash with a lacy, net-like appearance might appear on some persons.

Blood clots in the leg (DVT): Deep vein thrombosis(DVT) symptoms include discomfort, redness, and edema. The lungs may also receive these clots.

Stroke: A young person with the antiphospholipid syndrome but no known risk factors for cardiovascular illnesses may experience a stroke.

Transient ischemia attack (TIA): Similar to a stroke, a TIA typically lasts only a few minutes and has no lasting effects.

Frequent miscarriages or stillbirths: A few other pregnancy complications include high blood pressure and premature delivery.

Less typical indications are:
Neurological symptoms: Restrained blood flow to certain areas of the brain may result in convulsions, dementia, and chronic headaches, including migraines.

Low platelets count (thrombocytopenia): Low platelet levels may result in periods of bleeding, especially from the gums and nose. This decreases the blood cells essential for clotting. Patches of tiny red spots will show up where bleeding has penetrated the skin.

Cardiovascular disease: Heart valve injury from antiphospholipid syndrome is possible.

Causes
The antiphospholipid syndrome occurs when the immune system produces antibodies to attack healthy tissues in the body instead of shielding them from disease and infection. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APL) cause changes in blood fluidity. They bind to the proteins in the lipoproteins. These target proteins then link to phospholipids, which are fat molecules that increase the risk of blood clotting. As a result, the cells clump together to form an embolus, obstructing blood flow through veins and arteries. This clot can develop anywhere in the body, including the brain.

What causes the immune system to create aberrant antibodies is unknown. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental variables are thought to play a role, just like other autoimmune diseases.

Risk factors
Antiphospholipid syndrome is more common in women than in men. Moreover, a person suffering from another autoimmune condition like lupus is at an increased risk of antiphospholipid syndrome. One can have the antibodies associated with the syndrome without developing any symptoms. However, these antibodies increase one’s risk of developing blood clots, particularly if one:

Becomes pregnant
Has a surgery
Is immobile for a long time, such as being on bed rest

Diagnosis
Patients with blood clots or recurrent miscarriages are tested for antiphospholipid antibodies in their blood to determine if they have antiphospholipid syndrome. Three different types of screening methods are used for the detection. As this condition differs from patient to patient, tests may also differ. It is strongly encouraged to go for two tests because a single test may not identify every conceivable antibody. This must yield at least one positive result that can be later confirmed with two separate screenings planned at least three months apart.

Antibodies must show up at least twice in blood tests done 12 or more weeks apart to support a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Antiphospholipid antibodies may be present in a person without any symptoms ever appearing. This syndrome is usually identified only when these antibodies result in health issues.

Treatment
Antiphospholipid autoantibodies are typically found following a clotting event or a string of miscarriages. As the patient is at high risk for subsequent episodes due to the antibodies, the major objective of therapy is to prevent recurrences. Below are some treatments methods that help with managing the condition.

Blood thinners: Blood thinners can aid in preventing miscarriages and blood clots. A person will frequently be prescribed a type of blood thinner to lower the risks of APS. However, the symptoms will determine the kind of treatment one needs.

Antiplatelet: These supplements help prevent platelets from sticking together and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: This therapy may be utilized in more challenging cases of recurrent miscarriage. This therapy treats immune system diseases.

Plasmapheresis: In this procedure, abnormal antibodies are filtered out from the blood and replaced with healthy blood components. This treatment can help improve a person’s overall health and reduce symptoms.

Treatments are generally tailored according to a person’s needs, as different people may respond differently to different treatments. Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and nutritious foods and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of developing complications from the antiphospholipid syndrome.