Antiphospholipid antibodies are
antibodies
(proteins that kills foreign substances) that interfere with the way
blood vessels function. These antibodies react with proteins
in the blood that are bound to phospholipids (a type of fat molecule
that is part of the normal cell membrane).
Antiphospholipid syndrome, also
known as Hughes syndrome is an autoimmune disorder common in Lupus,
characterized by recurrent arterial or venous
thrombosis
and/or fetal losses coupled with persistently elevated levels of
antiphospholipid antibodies.
The two most commonly measured
antibodies associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome are the
Lupus Anticoagulant and Anticardiolipin Antibodies. There is a
third class of antibodies associated with the antiphospholipid
syndrome. The Anti-Beta 2
Glycoprotein 1 is included in this class.
These antibodies were first
discovered in Lupus patients but as many as 50% of people with them
do not have Lupus.
As with all antibodies the
levels fluctuate over time.
The Lupus Anticoagulant Tests
Coagulation tests that
measure clotting time are used to find the Lupus Anticoagulant.
If the number of seconds it takes for the blood to clot is
longer than normal, the Lupus Anticoagulant is suspected and
further testing is undertaken.
Anticardiolipin Antibodies
There are 3 kinds of
anticardiolipin antibodies. Immunoglobulin A (IgA),
Immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). IgG is
the type most often associated with complications.
Possible risks for people with
these antibodies:
-
Deep Vein Thrombosis
-
Gangrene
-
Purpura
-
Avascular Necrosis
-
Pulmonary Embolism
-
Heart Attack
-
Stroke
-
Miscarriage
-
Preterm Labor
-
Preeclampsia
Treatment usually includes low
dose aspirin or other blood thinners such as wafarin (Coumadin).
Heparin is used for thrombosis.
Patients with APS should
eliminate other risk factors such as oral contraceptives, obesity,
smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
Pregnancies in APS patients are
considered "high risk" and should be closely monitored.
