antiphospholipid syndrome

Question 1

what lab result changes in antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 1

prolonged APTT (intrinsic pathway)

Question 2

what are features of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 2

venous and arterial thrombosis
recurrent fetal loss
livedo reticularis
thrombocytopenia
prolonged aptt

Question 3

what is the management of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 3

initial venous thrombolic event: use of warfarin with a target INR of 2-3 for 6 months

recurrent venous thrombolic events: lifelong warfarin. if they get a thrombus whilst on warfarin increase INR target to 3-4

Question 4

what is the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome?

Answer 4

persistently positive on >2 occasions >12 weeks apart

anticardiolipin test

Question 5

what are pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome given?

Answer 5

oral aspirin and S/C heparin from early gestation