User:Mr. Ibrahem/Antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS or APLS), is an autoimmune disorder that results in blood clots and complications of pregnancy. Clots can occur in arteries, veins, or small blood vessels. Pregnancy complications may include miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or preeclampsia. Other symptoms may include mottled skin, poor healing, and heart valve problems.

While the cause is unclear, it believed to involved a number of factors, including genetics. Risk factors include lupus, hepatitis C, Lyme, and HIV/AIDS. The underlying mechanism involves the production of antibodies that attach to fat molecules. Diagnosis require an event, either a blood clot or pregnancy complication, and two positive blood test for antiphospholipid antibodies at least three months apart. Antiphospholipid antibodies include lupus anticoagulant, anti-apolipoprotein antibodies, and anti-cardiolipin antibodies.

Treatment is generally with long-term blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin, heparin, or aspirin. Warfarin is not used during pregnancy as it may result in birth defects. Other recommended measures include stopping smoking and regular exercise. Without treatment, complications can include heart attacks or stroke. Rarely catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome may occur.

Antiphospholipid syndrome affect about 1 in 2,000 people. It most commonly occurs in women between the age of 20 and 50. About 25% of those with lupus have the condition. It is responsible for about 1% of all blood clots, 20% of strokes under the age of 50, and 10% of repeated miscarriages. The first complete described of the condition date to the 1980s. The current name came into use in 1987.