An acute disseminated coagulopathy-vasculopathy associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome

Article Abstract:

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies have been implicated in vascular thrombosis (formation of blood clots in veins and arteries), miscarriages, and abnormally low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Some researchers identify a separate disease called antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which, in addition to the effects already mentioned, may cause a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels of the legs (segmented hyalinizing vasculitis) and other skin lesions, heart valve abnormalities, and several types of neurological disorders. About half of the patients with APS also have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, a chronic inflammatory disease, probably autoimmune in origin). The diagnosis of APS is discussed, including some of the less common blood tests that must be specifically ordered. Symptoms, such as blood clots, skin lesions, and kidney, brain, heart and other organ involvement, are outlined. There is disagreement about the mechanisms by which aPL antibodies cause clotting, and because APS is so rare, it is very difficult to study. Treatment for APS for the foreseeable future will necessarily be based on case studies. One approach is to combine immunosuppression with anticoagulation treatment during the acute phase, and once the patient is stabilized, give oral anticoagulants or aspirin (to prevent clots) and dipyridamole (to distend the arteries). Research such as that by Peter Zimetbaum and his colleagues, and Stewart Greisman and his colleagues on vascular disease, both published in the February 1991 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, may soon lead to more information about this condition. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Antiphospholipid antibodies, editorial

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Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Article Abstract:

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a disorder characterized by high blood levels of antiphospholipid antibody, or antibodies that attack different types of phospholipids in the body. Symptoms include recurring blood clots, abnormally low blood levels of platelets and repeated miscarriages. Patients with symptoms of APS should undergo a test to measure blood levels of antiphospholipid antibody and blood clotting tests for lupus anticoagulant. Pregnant women diagnosed with APS are treated with low doses of drugs to prevent blood clot formation and miscarriages. Patients who develop blood clots are treated with anticoagulant drugs. A 19-year-old woman was diagnosed with APS after suffering several strokes. She suffered her first stroke at the age of 15. She became pregnant at 19 years old and delivered a baby boy weighing 680 grams. She suffered two more strokes within several months of giving birth.

Causes of, Miscarriage

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