Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

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Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a blood-clotting disorder that makes the blood clot too easily. This can lead to mild or severe blood-clotting complications, including miscarriage, serious pregnancy problems, stroke, heart problems, and blood clots in the legs or lungs.

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is caused by antibodies. The body normally makes antibodies that attack a dangerous substance in the body, like bacteria or a virus. Instead, antiphospholipid antibodies attack molecules that keep the blood from clotting too much.

Antiphospholipid antibodies can be detected with a blood test. Once diagnosed, this condition is usually treated with blood-thinning medicine. Treatment and close monitoring are needed during pregnancy.

Author:Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Ralph Poore
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated: 05/17/2006

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