Antiphospholipid syndrome

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Definition

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder in which your immune system mistakenly produces antibodies to certain proteins in your blood. Antibodies are cells that normally attack bodily invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. This disorder can cause clotting within your arteries or veins and a variety of other problems, some life-threatening.

Antiphospholipid syndrome may cause clots to form in the large veins of your legs, and sometimes your arms, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Besides pain and swelling in the affected limb, thrombosis carries a risk of the clot breaking off and traveling to your lungs, where it can obstruct blood flow.

Blood clots sometimes form in the veins and arteries of various body organs. Damage depends on the extent and location of the clot and which organ it affects. For instance, impaired blood flow to your brain can lead to stroke. Impaired blood flow to your kidneys can cause kidney failure.

Pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome may have miscarriages or stillbirths. Also, antiphospholipid syndrome often occurs in people, particularly women, who have another immune system disorder, such as lupus.

There's no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but medications may reduce your risk of developing blood clots.

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Symptoms