Lupus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Overview

About 1 out of 3 people with lupus produce an antibody that attacks certain blood-clotting factors, which can cause the blood to clot easily.^{footnote 1} A person who has this antibody and has had blood clots is said to have antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This can lead to mild or severe blood-clotting complications, including:

• Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or heart attack.
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• Multi-infarct dementia.
• Gangrene of fingers or toes.
• Kidney disease.
• Preeclampsia, premature birth, and miscarriage or stillbirth, apparently caused by blood circulation problems in the placenta.

A blood test can detect antiphospholipid antibodies. When diagnosed, the condition is usually treated with anticoagulants. Pregnant women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome need to be closely monitored.