Hughes Syndrome
Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
An accurate diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)is important because Arterial thrombosis can have serious consequences.
Diagnosis of APS is based on the results of specific blood tests and a medical assessment.
If APS is suspected, you'll usually be referred to hospital to see either:
- a haematologist (specialist in conditions affecting the blood)
- a rheumatologist (specialist in conditions affecting the immune system)
Specific blood tests
To diagnose APS, the blood needs to be tested for the abnormal antiphospholipid antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots. This requires ablood test specifically designed for look for these antibodies.
A diagnosis of APS can only be made after two abnormal blood test results, with at least a 12-week gap between them.
This is because harmless antiphospholipid antibodies can sometimes develop in the body for short periods of time.Usually this is a result of an infection or a side effect of medication, such as antibiotics .
If antiphospholipid antibodies are identified during the first blood test, another test will be needed at a later date to confirm whether the abnormal antibodies are still present.
Visit Lab Tests Online for more information about antiphospholipid antibody testing .
Medicalassessment
Ifblood tests confirm you have APS, your medical history will be carefully assessed to check whether you've experienced any previous symptoms that may be caused by APS.
A diagnosis of APS can usually be confirmed if you've had:
- one or more confirmed blood clots
- one or more unexplained late miscarriages , at or after week 10 of your pregnancy
- one or more premature births , at or before week 34 of your pregnancy
- three or more unexplained early miscarriages, before week 10 of your pregnancy
Articles for Hughes Syndrome
Causes of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is caused by the bodys immune system producing abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies.
Complications of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but very serious complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
It is very important that an accurate diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is made because the blood clots that occur as a result of APS can have serious consequences.
Introduction
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes syndrome, is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots.
Symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the immune system produces abnormal antibodies which make the blood stickier than normal.
Treating antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) aims to reduce your risk of developing more blood clots.
