Learn About Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder characterized by an increased tendency to form abnormal blood clots (thromboses) that can block blood vessels. This clotting tendency is known as thrombophilia. In antiphospholipid syndrome, the thromboses can develop in nearly any blood vessel in the body. If a blood clot forms in the vessels in the brain, blood flow is impaired and can lead to stroke. Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs.
The genetic cause of antiphospholipid syndrome is unknown. This condition results from the presence of three abnormal immune proteins (antibodies) in the blood. The antibodies that cause antiphospholipid syndrome are called lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, and anti-B2 glycoprotein I. These antibodies are referred to as antiphospholipid antibodies. People with this condition can test positive for one, two, or all three antiphospholipid antibodies in their blood. Antibodies normally attach (bind) to specific foreign particles and germs, marking them for destruction, but the antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome attack normal human proteins. When these antibodies attach to proteins, the proteins change shape and attach to other molecules and receptors on the surface of cells. Attaching to cells, particularly immune cells, turns on (activates) the blood clotting pathway and other immune responses.
Antiphospholipid syndrome is estimated to affect 1 in 2,000 people. This condition may be responsible for up to one percent of all thromboses. It is estimated that 20 percent of individuals younger than age 50 who have a stroke have antiphospholipid syndrome. Ten to 15 percent of people with systemic lupus erythematosus have antiphospholipid syndrome. Similarly, 10 to 15 percent of women with recurrent miscarriages likely have this condition. Approximately 70 percent of individuals diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome are female.
Most cases of antiphospholipid syndrome are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. Rarely, the condition has been reported to run in families; however, it does not have a clear pattern of inheritance. Multiple genetic and environmental factors likely play a part in determining the risk of developing antiphospholipid syndrome.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Keith Mccrae is a Hematologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Mccrae has been practicing medicine for over 47 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Antiphospholipid Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), Thrombocytopenia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, and Splenectomy.
Duke Hematology Clinic - Clinic 1E
I primarily see patients who have a variety of rare bleeding and clotting disorders. I see both older and younger patients and also provide help when patients need to transition to and away from blood thinners. Doctors usually refer patients to me. I try to work with each patient so they understand why they are seeing me and what is going on with their body. I enjoy when a patient can leave my office with a complete understanding of what is going on and what they need to do to get better. As a young child, I had bad allergies and spent much time in the doctor’s office. As a frequent patient, I enjoyed spending time around medicine. As I entered college, I found that I enjoyed chemistry and that hematology allowed me to combine lab work with patient care. Dr. Ortel is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Antiphospholipid Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Thrombocytopenia, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Thalamotomy.
Savino Sciascia practices in Turin, Italy. Mr. Sciascia is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Antiphospholipid Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Lupus Nephritis, Glomerulonephritis, and Kidney Transplant.
Summary: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is a rare pathology characterized by the association of thrombotic (arterial, venous) or obstetric clinical manifestations and the persistent presence at least twelve weeks apart of antiphospholipid antibodies (APL). It is also accompanied by accelerated atherosclerosis responsible for an increased incidence of myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease and...
Summary: Autoimmune diseases refer to a common category of diseases caused by the immune system reacting to self-antigens, leading to tissue damage. Autoimmune diseases encompass a wide variety of conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus（SLE）, Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), inflammatory myopathies (IM), ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). They ...
Published Date: July 11, 2022
Published By: National Institutes of Health