Antiphospholipid Syndrome

If you’ve had episodes of blood clots or pregnancy loss that aren’t explained by known health conditions, talk with your healthcare professional. The health professional can schedule blood tests to check for clotting and for the presence of the antibodies associated with antiphospholipid syndrome.

To confirm a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, the antibodies must appear in your blood at least twice, in tests conducted 12 or more weeks apart.

You can have antiphospholipid antibodies and never have symptoms. A diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome is made only when these antibodies cause health problem.

If you have blood clots, the standard first treatment is a combination of blood-thinning medicines. The most common are heparin and warfarin (Jantoven). Heparin is fast acting and delivered via shots, also called injections. Warfarin comes in pill form and takes several days to have an effect. Aspirin also is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots.

When you’re taking blood thinners, you have an increased risk of bleeding episodes. Your healthcare team monitors your dosage with blood tests. This monitoring can help make sure your blood can clot well enough to stop the bleeding of a cut or the bleeding under the skin from a bruise.

There is some evidence that other medicines might be helpful in treating antiphospholipid syndrome. These include hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), rituximab (Rituxan), eculizumab (Soliris) and medicines called statins. More study is needed.

Treatment during pregnancy

It’s possible to have a successful pregnancy if you have antiphospholipid syndrome, especially with treatment. Treatment often involves heparin or heparin with aspirin. Warfarin isn’t given to pregnant women because it can affect the fetus.