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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAntiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder in which your immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against certain normal proteins in your blood. Antiphospholipid syndrome can cause blood clots to form within your arteries or veins as well as pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages and stillbirths.
Antiphospholipid syndrome may lead to the formation of blood clots in your legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Antiphospholipid syndrome may also cause blood clots to form in organs, such as your kidneys or lungs. Damage depends on the extent and location of the clot. For instance, a clot in your brain can cause stroke.
There's no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but medications can be effective in reducing your risk of blood clots.
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- Pruthi RK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 27, 2011.
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