Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces
large amounts of antiphospholipid antibodies. Phospholipids are a special type
of fat containing phosphate that makes up the outer walls of the body's cells.
Antiphospholipid antibodies attack the phospholipids. This causes many different
problems including increased blood clotting. Cardiolipin is one type of
phospholipid and specific anticardiolipin antibodies may develop.
This
disease is about two times more common in women than men. It is generally
characterized by the following:
thrombosis - blood clots in arteries or veins (especially in the legs).
Clots in vessels of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) can
result in stroke.
thrombocytopenia - low platelets (cells important in blood clotting).
pregnancy loss (especially repeated losses)
Antiphospholipid syndrome was only defined in recent years
and is sometimes called Hughes syndrome, or sticky blood syndrome. The disease
may occur along with other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE, or lupus).
Antiphospholipid syndrome is often difficult to diagnose,
however, blood tests for antibodies including lupus and anticardiolipin may aid
in the diagnosis.
How does
pregnancy affect antiphospholipid syndrome (aPL)? It is not
clear whether aPL is worsened or unchanged by pregnancy.
How does antiphospholipid syndrome (aPL) affect
pregnancy? This disease can have serious effects in pregnancy,
both for the mother and the baby. Risks for several complications are increased
in women with aPL, and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
stroke
blood clots
pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure of pregnancy), occurring
in as many as 50 percent of women with aPL
preterm birth (as many as 33 percent of women with aPL may deliver before 32
weeks gestation)
Management of
antiphospholipid syndrome (aPL) during pregnancy:
Because of the higher risks for stroke, pregnancy loss, and
other complications with aPL, mothers need close monitoring of the disease. More
frequent prenatal visits are often needed. Medication for aPL may need to be
changed (type and/or dosage) during pregnancy. Consult your physician for more
information.
Testing during pregnancy with aPL may include the
following:
blood tests for aPL (specific antibodies that help track the severity of the
disease)
blood clotting levels in the blood
monitoring for signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension
ultrasound - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound
waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess
blood flow through various vessels used to monitor fetal growth and development.
fetal heart monitoring (to check the fetal heart rate for signs of distress)
other fetal testing, including Doppler flow studies (to monitor the blood
flow in the uterus and umbilical cord)
Women with aPL can increase their chances for a healthy
pregnancy by getting early prenatal care and working with their healthcare
providers in the management of their disease
Draligus Health Disclaimer: Health Information Encyclopedia is a health encyclopedia for educational purposes, but does not provide medical - health information, medical diagnosis or medical treatment for your patients.
Advertise with Health Information