Antiphospholipid Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
What is antiphospholipid syndrome?
A
- acquired autoimmune disorder caused by antiphospholipid antibodies
- target the protein that binds to phospholipids on cell surface > inflammation + increased thrombosis risk
- recurrent miscarriages + thrombosis
2
Q
What autoimmune condition is antiphospholipid syndrome associated with?
A
Systemic lupus erythematous
3
Q
Specific antiphospholipid antibodies
A
- lupus anticoagulant
- anticardiolipin antibodies
- anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies
4
Q
Complications of antiphospholipid syndrome
A
- VTE - DVT + PE
- arterial thrombosis - stroke, MI, renal thrombosis
- pregnancy related complications e.g. recurrent miscarriages, still birth, pre-eclampsia
5
Q
What is catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome?
A
rare complication with rapid thrombosis in multiple organs within a few days
6
Q
Features of antiphospholipid syndrome
A
- livedo reticularis: purple lace like rash
- livedo racemose: more permanent version of LR
- libmann sacks endocarditis: non bacterial vegetation on heart valves
- thrombocytopenia: low platelets
- prolonged APTT
- recurrent thrombosis
- recurrent miscarriages
7
Q
Management of antiphospholipid syndrome
A
- low dose aspirin as primary thrombus prophylaxis
- long term warfarin after thrombosis
- INR target 2-3
- aspirin + LMWH in pregnancy
8
Q
Investigations of antiphospholipid syndrome + findings
A
- antibodies: lupus anticoagulant, anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies
- FBC - thrombocytopenia
- clotting: prolonged APTT
