Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly produces antibodies against phospholipid-binding proteins, increasing the risk of abnormal blood clot formation in arteries and veins.
APS is clinically important because it can lead to:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Stroke at a young age
Pulmonary embolism
Recurrent miscarriages & pregnancy complications
What Happens in APS?
The immune system produces antiphospholipid antibodies such as:
• Lupus anticoagulant
• Anticardiolipin antibodies
• Anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies
These antibodies increase coagulation activity and damage blood vessels, creating a “hypercoagulable state.”
Epidemiology
• More common in women than men
• Frequently diagnosed between 20–50 years of age
• Can occur alone (Primary APS) or alongside autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (Secondary APS)
Common Signs & Symptoms
Painful swelling in legs (DVT)
Sudden shortness of breath (Pulmonary embolism)
Stroke or transient ischemic attacks
Recurrent miscarriages or stillbirths
Livedo reticularis (lace-like skin discoloration)
Headaches, thrombocytopenia & fatigue
Diagnosis
APS diagnosis requires:
Clinical evidence of thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity
PLUS
Positive antiphospholipid antibodies on two occasions at least 12 weeks apart
Treatment Options
• Anticoagulants like heparin & warfarin
• Low-dose aspirin in selected patients
• During pregnancy → low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) + aspirin
• Management of underlying autoimmune disease if present
Why APS Matters Clinically
APS is one of the most important causes of:
Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
Young strokes without major risk factors
Recurrent blood clots
Early diagnosis and proper anticoagulation can significantly reduce complications and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Had you heard about APS before reading this post?
