Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

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Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a blood-clotting disorder that makes the blood clot too easily. This can lead to mild or severe blood-clotting complications, including miscarriage, serious pregnancy problems, stroke, heart problems, and blood clots in the legs or lungs.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is caused by antibodies. The body normally makes antibodies that attack a dangerous substance in the body, like bacteria or a virus. Instead, antiphospholipid antibodies attack molecules that keep the blood from clotting too much.

Antiphospholipid antibodies can be detected with a blood test. Once diagnosed, this condition is usually treated with blood-thinning medicine. Treatment and close monitoring are needed during pregnancy.

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated	May 13, 2008

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Last updated:	May 13, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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