About Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the body starts making antibodies which increases the risk of the individual developing blood clots. Antiphospholipid Syndrome is also known by the name of Hughes Syndrome.
A person with Antiphospholipid Syndrome has increased risk for developing DVTs, arterial thrombosis, and clots in the brain which can be life threatening. Antiphospholipid Syndrome is most severe on pregnant females as it increases a risk for frequent miscarriages even later on in pregnancy. What role does Antiphospholipid Syndrome play in these miscarriages is still not clear.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome does not have noticeable symptoms but some people complain of symptoms of chronic general fatigue and a feeling of being sick. Some people also demonstrate symptoms similar to Multiple Sclerosis like aches and pain, vision problems, or problems with ambulation.
How Do You Get Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
An autoimmune disorder is a medical condition in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues by making antibodies. Antiphospholipid Syndrome is one such disorder in which the antibodies produced by the immune system increases the risk of a person developing frequent blood clots. An individual can get Antiphospholipid Syndrome through infections or medications.
There are also some risk factors that make an individual prone to a condition like Antiphospholipid Syndrome. This condition is more prevalent in females than males. People with conditions like Sjogren Syndrome or Lupus are also at greater risk of having Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Infections like hepatitis-C, HIV, and Lyme disease also makes an individual vulnerable to Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
Hypertensive medication like hydralazine, medication for dysrhythmia like quinidine, and phenytoin which is a medication given for seizure disorder are some classes of medications through which an individual can get Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Studies also suggest that people who have a family history of Antiphospholipid Syndrome have an increased chance of getting this condition.
In some cases, an individual may have Antiphospholipid antibodies but may not have any symptoms. Such individuals are at increased risk of developing a clot if the individual becomes pregnant or cannot move for an extended period of time such as when recuperating from a major surgery or after a serious accident. The chances of individuals developing blood clots significantly increase in smokers and females’ who take oral contraceptives.
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