Lupus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome - Topic Overview
About 1 in 3 people with lupus produce an antibody that attacks certain blood-clotting factors, which can cause the blood to clot easily.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:
- Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or heart attack.
- Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Multi-infarct dementia.
- Gangrene of fingers or toes.
- Kidney disease.
- Preeclampsia, premature birth, and miscarriage or stillbirth, apparently caused by blood circulation problems in the placenta.
Antiphospholipid antibodies can be detected with a blood test. When diagnosed, the condition is usually treated with anticoagulants. Pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome require close monitoring.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a muscle in your body. It usually happens in the legs, but can also develop in your arms, chest, or other areas of your body. And though DVT is common, it can be dangerous. The blood clot can block your circulation or lodge in a blood vessel in your lungs, brain, heart, or other area. The clot can cause severe organ damage and even death -- within hours. The main cause of DVT is poor blood flow. When circulation...
Read the Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Lupus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Topics
Today on WebMD
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.