What is antiphospholipid syndrome?

Short description: It involves arterial or venous clotting or specific pregnancy complications, with laboratory evidence of anti-phospholipid antibodies. Autoantibodies, meaning produced and directed against one's self, are to plasma proteins (many:) altering normal clotting leading to thrombus (clot) and/or pregancy complications like fetal death, recurrent early pregnancy loss, eclampsia, and others.

Abnormal clotting: Apa syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakingly produces antibodies against certain normal proteins in the body. This leads to abnormal clot formation in arteries and veins. A potentially very serious condition.

Blood clots: Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) can exist on its own or in association with another autoimmune condition such as lupus. It is caused by antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots. These antibodies also interfere with routine laboratory tests of blood clotting by binding to phospholipids, hence the name. The symptoms of APS can include blood clots, Raynaud's and pregnancy loss.