antiphospholipid syndrome

Question 1

what is antiphospholipid disease

Answer 1

• autoimmune rheumatology disease
• produces antiphospholipid antibodies
• causing improper blood flow and dangerous clotting

Question 2

What is antiphospholipid syndrome characterised by? (3)

Answer 2

-Thrombosis
-Recurrent miscarriage
- anti-phospholipid antibodies

Question 3

Treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome? (2)

Answer 3

IF HAD A THROMBUS:
1st line = warfarin long term if have had a thrombosis

• if pregnant give aspirin + heparin

IF NOT HAD A THROMBUS:
aspirin

Question 4

Symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome? (5)

Answer 4

CLOTS
Coagulopathy
Livedo reticularis (purple discolouration of skin, lace-like)
Obstetric issues - miscarriages
Thrombocytopenia
Strokes

Question 5

Investigations to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome? (3)

Answer 5

1) lupus anticoagulant
2) Anti cardiolipin antibodies (IgG/M) +ve
3) Anti beta-2 glycoprotein-1 antibodies

2 abnormal blood tests 12 weeks apart

Question 6

Patient presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome? (2)

Answer 6

-Can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary (to other diseases, especially SLE)
-Higher risk in Females